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Looks Can be Deceiving


Looks Can be Deceiving
Photo Information
Copyright: Rick Price (Adanac) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 1 N: 5208] (17609)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-05-03
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon 5D MKII, Canon 100-400/4.5-5.6L IS
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/250 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): CeltickRanger's favorite Grouse photos [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2009-05-22 20:17
Viewed: 569
Points: 28
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Hi All,
While in Yellowstone we saw two Blue Grouse, this very placid and willing subject. Then there was the possessed Blue Grouse as Lucy called it, It was sneaking across a main paved road but even I could see him so I stopped and Lucy jumped out to take it picture and was promptly attacked. She jumped back in the truck and I was left try to fend off a spirited attack by this bold grouse. I was laughing so hard he almost beat me. The people in the cars behind us had a great laugh as well.
Rick

Blue Grouse
Dendragapus obscurus
>

Also known as - Dusky Grouse.

General Description

By Gustave J. Yaki

Blue Grouse breed from Yukon south along the coast into California and in the mountains into Arizona and New Mexico. In Alberta, it occurs in the southwestern part, along the foothills country. The population in Alberta was once considered a separate species, known as the Dusky Grouse.

The Blue Grouse is widespread but is becoming scarcer in the higher foothills and mountains. They are resident in Kananaskis Country. Unlike most species, they move to higher elevations in winter, becoming more arboreal then.

They feed on leaves, mainly coniferous needles, but also add flowers, fruit, seeds and insects.

Males are polygamous. The nest, often near the forest-edge, well-concealed under low branches, near or under logs or tree roots, is a dry depression lined with nearby vegetation. The six to eight eggs are incubated for about 26 days. The precocial young are led from the nest to the feeding areas as soon as their down is dry. The young are able to flutter some distance at 6-7 days. They have developed their back feathers by 8-10 days and no longer need to be brooded. Families disperse in late summer.
from Weaselhead.org
Miss_Piggy, Argus, siggi, nasokoun, zetu, Alex99, CeltickRanger, jaycee, ubc64, nglen, Noisette, MMM, eqshannon has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hallo Rick
Thanks for a wonderful story that accompanies this great image. This is really a beautiful bird with lovely features. The rounded plumage is very interesting to look at and the different colours of the feathers just as striking. I can see why it is also called Dusky Grouse. Furthermore this grouse thick legs and short charcaol beak is very eye-catching. The yellow around the eye is very prominent and stands out well. Thanks for sharing this cheeky looking fellow. Best regards.
Anna

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3821 W: 190 N: 11376] (35063)
  • [2009-05-22 22:43]

Hello Rick,
Even though the Blue Grouse was willing to be photographed while in this aggressive state (I like your story), you took a great shot of it with fine sharpness and colours from a nice low POV.
Our aggresive species is the Capercailie that is getting rare now. People have been injured by aggressive males during the breeding season.
Thanks for posting this Rick and have a good weekend,
Ivan

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1378 W: 56 N: 4747] (16330)
  • [2009-05-22 23:37]

Hello Rick,
Great picture. POV, DOF, colors & composition are perfect and the details are razorsharp. TFS and well done!Best regards Siggi

hello Rick
interesting story,a very good presentation from unknown for me type,fine POV and resault,great shot
TFS have a good wk
Nasos

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2395 W: 94 N: 5542] (17634)
  • [2009-05-23 0:56]

Hello Rick,
What a funny story!
A photo taken from a perfect POV. Great pose of the grouse. Excellent colours, sharp details, DOF and composition.
Regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • zetu Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 649 W: 15 N: 1607] (6263)
  • [2009-05-23 3:54]

Hello Rick
Wonderful capture with a species that I never seen before. You capture it with excellent details and natural colors.
Regards
Razvan

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3585 W: 143 N: 5672] (18539)
  • [2009-05-23 5:49]

Hi Rick.
Charming bird and you have pictured it at so attractive natural surroundings. We have snow in May. We had snow even in winter this year. Details of the bird is great. I also like colour patter of the dry needles. Nice shot. TFS and all the best to you and Lucy.
Alexei.

hello Rick

i am laughing what it happen to Lucy with this Blue Grouse,
one day in youtube i saw a video of a ruffed grouse attacking,
i have to find that video and send it to you,

you have a great chance Rick to see such beautiful wild birds
like the Blue Grouse, fine POV and framing,
excellent sharpness and details of its wonderful plumage,
i see that you have a new camera, congratulations,

TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885] (21912)
  • [2009-05-23 9:39]

Hi Rick,

What adventures you two have on your trips! Poor Lucy - I can't imagine being attacked by a Grouse. This placid and plump one looks very pretty posing for you. The colors and details of the face and feathers are wonderful. What a beautiful eye! Wonderful setting and composition.

Jane

  • Great 
  • ubc64 Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 31 W: 3 N: 86] (292)
  • [2009-05-23 10:48]

Hi Rick,

What a cute story, to go with an interesting shot of the grouse. He looks like he has a "Go ahead, make my day" look in his eye. Good colours and detail on the grouse. I like the bit of snow you've left in your photo also. TFS.

Regards,
John

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2912 W: 34 N: 8640] (32202)
  • [2009-05-23 13:10]

Hi Rick. Poor Lucy being attacked by the Blue Grouse . We will do alsorts to get a picture. Anyway this is a good shot of this one. Its a bird i have not seen before so thanks for posting. You have taken this with good detail and natural colours. Is that snow still on the ground in May ?
well done TFS.
Nick..

Hello Rick
a wonderful shot of a species not often see on TN, i like the pose of the Blue Bird
and also his environment, great sharp shot with lovely soft colors
i like your note and your story
Have a great sunday
Jacueline

  • Great 
  • MMM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 921 W: 0 N: 1985] (8905)
  • [2009-05-24 15:33]

Hi Rick
Excellent presentation of a grouse I had never seen before.Razor sharp image with great plumage detail it seem like it was a major chalenge to get that image.Nice pose and nice catch light in the eye.
TFS Michel

People behind me usually are not laughing:-) I can say that now with a smile but at the time it isn't too funny...I have a reputation for driving the speed limit...a rarity here in the US...

A fine image of something I have never seen and I can see why Asbed added it...it is well worth the dues! As are (run on) almost all of your images..you have a gift!
Bob
PS OH! I think we are all down due to thick blood and because of the long winter and heavy snows...now we have to thin out teh blood a bit otherwise we feel listless...bet ya!

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