Historically, Blue Grouse have been divided into two major groups – Dusky Grouse and Sooty Grouse. But bases on recent mitochondrial DNA sequencing studies as well as on behavioral and distribution information, both groups are now considered to be separate species.
Remembering to call this species the “Dusky Grouse” is going to be a challenge for me. For years they’ve been called Blue Grouse, with two recognized sub-species – Dusky Grouse and Sooty Grouse. But based on recent mitochondrial DNA studies the two sub-species of Blue Grouse are now recognized as separate species. Apparently the common name “Blue Grouse” will no longer be used. 1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light I came across this male a couple of days ago while high in the Wasatch Mountains on Francis Peak along Skyline Drive. I was driving up a steep, narrow road and just as I stopped to photograph the bird a hunter in a pickup came down the road right in front of us. If he had continued forward the bird would have spooked but when he spotted it and noticed our long lenses pointed at the grouse he very considerately stopped for several minutes so that we could get our shots. When we had our images I motioned for him to continue, which he did and yes – the bird flew off. I talked to him for a minute or so and thanked him for his kind deed. In the past I’ve taken the occasional pot shot at hunters on this blog. But the considerate act of this sportsman reminds me once again to avoid stereotypes – that the unethical, inconsiderate and/or unsportsmanlike behavior of a few renegade hunters should not reflect on the entire group – just as similar behaviors of relatively small numbers of nature photographers should…
