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Displaying Grouse for Asbed


Displaying Grouse for Asbed
Photo Information
Copyright: Rick Price (Adanac) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1273 W: 1 N: 6188] (21378)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-10-28
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon 40D, Canon 100-400/4.5-5.6L IS
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/125 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): CeltickRanger's favorite Grouse photos, CeltickRanger's favorite Bird photos -2- [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-10-28 16:25
Viewed: 3529
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 20
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Hello All,
Today I was out in the Cypress Hills which have received snow since I was out last. On my travels I found this male Ruffed Grouse displaying for a female in a nearby spruce tree. He was putting on quite a show, but did not drum, I have only heard them drum in the spring. I know there is a lot of vegetation in the way, but this is the only shot with most of him showing and he did not want to come close to me. I love the ruffled neck feathers and the fanned out tail feathers. I am dedicating this image to our friend Asbed as we have talked about Ruffed Grouse and their displays. So this one is for you Asbed.
Rick

Ruffed Grouse
Bonasa umbellus
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General Description

By Gustave J. Yaki

The Ruffed Grouse breeds in forested northern North America from Alaska across Canada to Newfoundland (where it was introduced), and south into some of the adjoining USA states. In Alberta, it occupies all areas with the exception of the prairies, but, extends into the treeless grassland region along the Red Deer River valley. It is also present in the Cypress Hills, where it was reintroduced following the devastating fires of the late 1800s.

The Ruffed Grouse is a permanent resident of deciduous or mixed forest, being most abundant in second-growth woodlands. It is a species whose population is cyclic, peaking and crashing at about ten-year intervals.

Much of the winter food of the Ruffed Grouse is the buds of Aspen Poplars and willows, augmented by seeds and berries. In summer, insects and green plants are consumed as well.

The male Ruffed Grouse is polygamous. Standing on a fallen log, he makes a drumming sound by compressing air, with his wings, as if beating his chest. The sound attracts a receptive female, who then lays 9-12 eggs on the ground in the woods. The nest is usually hidden at the base of a tree, or under a log, shrub or brush pile. She incubates for about 24 days. The precocial young are guarded and brooded by the female. They develop quickly and can fly at 10-12 days. Family groups disperse at about 12 weeks after hatching.
from Weaselhead.ca
CeltickRanger, eqshannon, maurydv, siggi, uleko, oanaotilia, MMM, Juyona has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

hello Rick

their is days that when i am tired i just come to see photos
without critiquing or posting, the last days was like that,
i love to see photos to navigate from a site to another is just relaxing

tonight was the same think, after going and viewing
birds photos on a French nature photos forums,
one in France and another in Québec, then i decide to come
here in TN, and when i saw this ruffed grouse shot
and when i read in the title dedicated to me, you can not kno Rick
how much i was happy, i will continu in French
« d'une minute à l'autre ma fatigue est partis »
(i am kno more tired after viewing this shot)

what a superb shot of this male Ruffed Grouse
displaying to a female, i think you kno, by e-mails,
friends where asking « if you where an animal,
what do you want to be », if i was an animal o would
like to be a Male Ruffed Grouse having my territory and fewe females (LOL)

i love your low POV that is at the level of the grouse,
also fine framing, from several ways we can kno a male ruffed grouse,
one of that ways is : you see that red patch on his eye,
i love to see it on this image, excellent sharpness
and details of its wonderful plumage, TFS

Merci Beaucoup Rick

Asbed

Your Cypress Hills look much like my area south of this safe zone in apartment...as you have both seen and noted...but you seem to be a bit more lucky...I see aviaries in the air usually but for some reason you seem to walk softly and carry a big lens:-) to re-invent and old phrase..

I will take this time to let folks and you know that my partner of 43 years is getting better...every day is a crossroads...I never know whether I will waken here or...? but to have had the opportunity to be on TN...and see folks as you who care so much for nature...that alone carries me on...

I ran into a flock of these two days ago...and as they ALWAYS do they came out of brush quickly and very close...and I had a camera in hand, instead of the rifle I used to carry in the wilds...but did I get a picture? No! That is the difference I reckon...a fine shot...perhaps if I get my legs totally back...I shall do same...with the good will of god..
Bob

Hello Rick

These little birds amaze me.
I have been chased down trails yelling like a schoolgirl,as one of the tough little buggers attacks me.Boy do I feel silly after.(more than once)
I have been known to stop my vehicle on very busy highways to escort them and the chicks quickly across too.(also more than once)
This is a fine display of ruffed up feathers.
Nicely positioned in the frame.
Excellent natural look and details.
TFS

Wolf

Ciao Rick,
spettacolare momento di cattura di questo bellissimo tetraonide che si esibisce in parata in tutto il suo splendore, molto bella anche la composizione con l'ambiente naturale, ottima definzione, molto belli e naturali i colori.
TFS.
Maurizio

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3097 W: 109 N: 12399] (52850)
  • [2008-10-29 1:55]

Hello Rick
Very good capture.Good composition ,sharp details with nice colors.Also like your POV.
Best regards Siggi

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3396 W: 172 N: 3310] (10940)
  • [2008-10-29 3:33]

Hello Rick,
Beautiful capture of this Grouse displaying and amazing how close you must have got here. I've seen the Black Grouse displaying here but only at a far distance. It's lovely to watch them showing off! You managed good focus on the eye and details and colours are beautiful.
Many thanks and regards, Ulla

Hello Rick
Interesting species. I don't know haw many Bonasa species are in Europe, but in Romania are probably 2 or 3. So, thanks that I can see more species. I like the low POV, and you capture the bird with perfect sharp, even that some little dried plants are staying between your camera and the bird.
Kind regards, Oana

  • Great 
  • MMM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1114 W: 0 N: 2546] (11425)
  • [2008-10-29 6:54]

Hi Rick
Excellent capture of that Grouse.Beautiful pose win a natural location.Sharp image with great feather detail.
TFS Michel

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 2232 W: 10 N: 2971] (16891)
  • [2008-10-29 12:38]

Hola amigo,
estupenda captura y dedicatoria,
detalles y pov...
magnífico disparo en su natural habitat,
saludos

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1739 W: 224 N: 6872] (24909)
  • [2008-10-30 13:11]

A fab shot of this displaying Grouse.
Very sharp.
Great focusing through the branches - that must have been hard!
Excellent exposure.
Nice DOF.

Well done,
Joe

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