Female Dusky Grouse in the Wasatch Mountain Range – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
I don’t see Dusky Grouse near as often as I would like to see them so I was quite happy when I saw several of them last week on my way up Skyline Drive to Bountiful Peak in northern Utah. I didn’t see any adult males, those handsome buggers must leave the females to do all of the work rearing their broods (and do according to BNA), but I did see several adult females with their chicks. The chicks seemed more skittish than the adults, we were able to drive past the female in the photo above without her moving and it was a narrow, one lane gravel road.
I hope to photograph more males this fall after the temperatures cool down some.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Dusky Grouse photos plus facts and information about this species.
Thank you all!
A very nice look at this interesting species in its environment. I remember how excited I was to see my first one in Colorado last summer.
Hi! Last one I saw was in West Virginia in 19841 beautiful BIRDS! Keep up the great photo’s
Mia, I would love to see this bird! What a treat! I may be up your way in September if you would like to meet!
Nice shot Mia, definitely not the easiest birds to find!
Love the most excellent camoflague plumage – and the knowing stare.
Beautiful shot Mia. These birds are usually so skittish. We get the similar Sooty Grouse in these parts but I have yet to actually see one, much less photograph one. Maybe this weekend at Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Nice looking bird. Great pic!
Yes! Thank you!
Wonderful shot Mia
Amazing.