photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Ryan Brady | profile | all galleries >> Recent dSLR Photos >> Spruce Grouse - June 2009 tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Spruce Grouse - June 2009

Spruce Grouse 3439
Spruce Grouse 3439		 Spruce Grouse 3438
Spruce Grouse 3438		 Spruce Grouse 3421
Spruce Grouse 3421		 Spruce Grouse 3397
Spruce Grouse 3397		 Spruce Grouse 3433
Spruce Grouse 3433
Spruce Grouse 3415
Spruce Grouse 3415		 Spruce Grouse 3418
Spruce Grouse 3418		 Spruce Grouse Habitat 3442
Spruce Grouse Habitat 3442

comment | share
Fred Lesher 21-Aug-2009 20:32
Ryan: Great photos! Most birders have probably not seen a Spruce Grouse that close, let alone been able to take a series of photos.

Years ago, I photographed Prairie Chickens on a lek when the Hamerstroms were in charge of PRCH leks near Plainfield in central WI, not too far east of LaCrosse. Good show. The Prairie Chickens actually scooted about in spurts as they hooted, looking like wind-up toys. Most attempts at copulation were thwarted, it appeared, because competing males literally hurled themselves on to the amorous pair & knocked the birds beak over tail. Feathers flew. Looked like a perilous way to reproduce; first all the male rivalry, hooting & tooting, then the infrequent attempt to copulate, followed by attacks from rival males as any of them came close to "success".
click on thumbnails for full image