Thursday, October 29, 2009

A Spruce Grouse found!


Today was a lucky day for me.the first time ever that I have taken pictures of a Spruce Grouse.
I have been hoping to find a Ruffed Grouse, the species that I am most familiar with. But when I saw the black an white colourpatterning on this grouse I saw this morning I knew it wasn't a Ruffed Grouse:. the red cpmb above its eye was a dead give away that this was something different! It was quite a handsome looking bird! I had driven past it at first when I saw it walking on the gravel shoulder at Three Tree Creek. So when I spied it I drove on and turned and then came back to it. The sun was in my eyes so I got out of my car and walked up to it. These grouse do not frighten away easily.Being quite close allowed me to get a good picture of its rufus tipped tail feathers. This colour feature helped me to id this bird as an adult male taigia Spruce Grouse.What fun it was to find something a bit different to add to my collection of bird photos.

8 comments:

Kingsdowner said...

Back to your best Ann!
Tracking down rare birds and beasts is your forte.
Mind you, this grouse looks like he's waiting to be cooked.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Wow,what a find!This is a beautiful bird and your pictures show it so well.Thanks.
Blessings,Ruth

Helen said...

That is a beautiful bird. I have never seen one of those. Helen

Deborah Godin said...

Handsomest of the grouses, IMO. Wonderful shots, Ann!

Mary said...

Wonderful! I've never seen any sort of grouse, so this is a treat to see and learn about.

Misty DawnS said...

It's SO beautiful! I LOVE finding a new species to photograph - it's such a rush for me!

SandyCarlson said...

These are so very beautiful. That shot of the deer, below, is heart-warming. Beautiful.

Becky said...

A very handsome bird indeed Ann. Beautiful! I have never seen one. I love the coloring.
B.