Female Greater Sage-Grouse – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 242mm, natural light, not baited
I photographed this female Greater Sage-Grouse while up in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. This hen was traveling in a small flock of four to five birds as I recall and they were feeding right at the edge of a two lane road.
The Greater Sage-Grouse didn’t appear to be the least bit timid and I was able to take a series of images of them before moving down the curvy mountain road. I hope to photograph them again sometime in the future.
Life is good.
Mia
I also learned not to accept the ID’s given to me by a friend with this grouse, or at least not without double checking it myself. I was told it was a Dusky Grouse which I later identified as a Greater Sage-Grouse on my own.
Click here to see more of my Greater Sage-Grouse photos plus facts and information about this species.
The grasses make a lovely background.
I really liked the grasses in the background too, thank you!
Great shot, Mia. I love the habitat. Down here we have the Scaled Quail, and it is called also the Blue Quail. I don’t know why that is. I guess maybe that in some light there may be a faint bluish tint.
What a lovely encounter, and beautiful view of her.
Thank you Debbie!
Excellent image! The Grouse camouflages so well with its natural surroundings.
Tammy, I’m lucky that these birds were along the road or they would have been much more difficult to spot. Thanks for your comment on this image.
Neat! I love the camouflaged plumage on Grouse, though I’ve never seen one myself. They still have a very rare and special feel to them. Great shot, thanks for sharing.
Thank you Laurence, I think the plumage is awesome.
He is a beautiful bird. I just love his markings. He looks rather tall too. Carol
I think she is a beautiful bird too Carol and they are rather large birds, compared to others I photograph. Thanks for your comment.