A confident grouse

I was left in awe with displays of pure, raw confidence this past weekend.

It’s no secret that a grouse’s best defence is camouflage. It’s surprising they didn’t snicker under their breath as I passed close by without seeing anything. They just stood motionless as only a confident grouse can (at least that’s what I suspect since I didn’t actually see them).

However, I was able to spot a few grouse on the roadside and enjoyed making images.

grouse, Saskatchewan, grass

As the shadows lengthened at the end of the day, I noticed a grouse standing in the middle of the road.

grouse, road, Saskatchewan, Prince Albert National Park

Despite camouflage that was hopelessly inadequate for the gravel background, despite the risks involved in parking in that location, this grouse was perfectly still. Despite all evidence this grouse courageously believed – a most remarkable display of confidence.

I was so moved by the experience, I declare this grouse the most confident bird anywhere.

grouse, tree, Saskatchewan, silhouette

Latest Comments

  1. ajaytao2010 says:

    Beautiful pics

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  2. Teju says:

    Gorgeous! 🙂

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  3. mdprincing says:

    they are an awesome bird. Many years ago I had a covey (I think that is what they call a family of Grouse’s (Grice? you know like mice) that lived very need the tree stand that I bow hunted deer out of. It is almost spiritual when they beat their chests with their wings, forget about spotting them they are the secret agents of the bird world

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  4. photographybycalliec says:

    More great images, keep them coming.
    Cheers callie

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  5. Phil Lanoue says:

    Excellent photos of an extremely interesting bird!
    I was photographing clapper rails in the salt marsh last night which are similar in that they tend to blend in quite well.

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  6. vanbraman says:

    As always you catch the spirit of your subjects. Nice poses. I was trying to get pictures of butterflies yesterday. They never pose for you.

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  7. dakkurt says:

    Very nice subject and interesting story.

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