The Howland
Picture Pages: Ruffed Grouse The Howland
Picture Pages: Ruffed GrousePage by Royce
Last update: $Date: 2004/10/09 20:29:25 $ (UTC)
The Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a northerly species found in forested areas around our home base of Calgary, and through-out much of Canada. Its range extends down into some of the northwest and north east states of the USA as well. While a little plainer in appearance than many related species, it is nevertheless an attractive bird on closer inspection -- if you can spot one to inspect! The name comes from the black neck ruff of males, used in displays. In spring, listen for the drumming sound made by males flapping their wings rapidly.
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This Ruffed Grouse was photographed on some wooded property near Water Valley, Alberta on July 24, 2004. Part of a group of several birds, including mostly juveniles, this adult hopped onto a log obscured by tall grass when it was initially startled. The photo isn't a good shot of the bird, but I included it since it does represent a pretty common view of grouse. This shot was taken with a Canon EOS 10D + EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens, hand-held.
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Here is one of the half a dozen or so juveniles that accompanied the above adult. The juveniles all flew up into some tree branches when the group was startled. This shot also was taken with a Canon EOS 10D + EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens, hand-held.
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Once the adult and juveniles got over their initial startlement, the adult began to edge out of the grass along its perch. Here, it was pretty much out in the open, and although the trees over head created some shadows, it was a nice pose. This shot also was taken with a Canon EOS 10D + EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens, hand-held. Shots like this are where the image stabilization of the lens comes in handy.
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After a few minutes where the adult grouse kept an eye on me from its perch, it decided to get some altitude. It flew up into a nearby tree, although it continued to sit on a fairly open limb. This shot also was taken with a Canon EOS 10D + EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens, hand-held.
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I snapped a few remaining shots of the adult, but couldn't get any more of the juveniles since they were deeper into the leaf cover and shadow. At this point, I rejoined the picnic group and the grouse probably went back to their picnic as well. This shot also was taken with a Canon EOS 10D + EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens, hand-held.
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