Hello friends, this week’s photo story is about grouse!
Many animals are masters of camouflage which can make them difficult subjects to photograph. The grouse is no exception. From spruce grouse to ptarmigan these chubby little birds are masters of blending into their environments.
Around Yellowknife we have a number of species of grouse including the spruce grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, and willow ptarmigan. Other grouse are present in other parts of the territory but these three are the most common species around Yellowknife and can be found in the capital region year round.
Ptarmigan are the easiest to track in the winter as they are often found in willow bushes up off the ground or scuttling along the edges of willows in small flocks. They are easily identified by their feathered feet and black tail feathers. Ptarmigan aren’t exactly the brightest birds but they will fly directly into a snowbank to avoid leaving tracks that might be followed by predators.
Spruce grouse are likely to give you a heart attack while wandering in the bush as they are masters of camouflage and will erupt in flight only once you invade their personal space. More than once I’ve been caught off-guard and startled by a grouse erupting out of the underbrush. It’s difficult to take a photo when you are screaming and clutching your heart!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s story.