A small flock of grouse crossed the highway in front of me near Tatla Lake, taking their time. I rolled down the window and grabbed the nearest camera, the little pocket Sony. And then I blamed the camera for the birds' strange eyes. They looked like they didn't belong in those small heads.
The camera was fine.
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| Ruffed grouse. |
The white surrounding feathers make the eyes look almost human. And somewhat offended.
These grouse are usually heard, not seen. The drumming males sound like someone trying to start a reluctant motor, somewhere behind the next hill. I have heard them, and thought they were pine branches rubbing against each other. (
Listen to a few recordings here.)
Displaying males make a deep, airy drumming sound by beating their wings while standing on a log. (Cornell, all about birds)
These are ground-dwelling, chicken-like birds. Summer flocks are usually a hen and her chicks; if this is one such group, the "chicks" are just about full-grown.
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| Leading the way. |
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