Spruce Grouse, Cock or Rooster

The male Spruce Grouse is quite serious about his business during breeding season. Serious to the point of absurdity! Years ago in Idaho I watched one flog his own reflection on the chromes of my Jeep. Feeling bad about the damage the little guy was doing to himself I drove off, only to be chased down the dirt track! Yesterday, another rooster made advances...at the sole of my boot as I sat quietly watching his display. Maybe it's more comical than absurd. In any case, these are the guys to watch come spring!

I watched this rooster display five evenings in a row. Towards the end of the day, just like clock work, you could count on him to grab a drink of water before flying up to roost. Though the water did not look very "appetizing" to me, the pothole was located at the edge of this rooster's strutting area which meant he could grab a drink while keeping a watch on his strutting area!

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I watched this rooster display five evenings in a row. Towards the end of the day, just like clock work, you could count on him to grab a drink of water before flying up to roost. Though the water did not look very "appetizing" to me, the pothole was located at the edge of this rooster's strutting area which meant he could grab a drink while keeping a watch on his strutting area!

Kinkaid Park Cock Anchorage Alaska Rooster Grouse Spruce Grouse Fool Hen Fool's Hen Falcipennis canadensis May Eye Comb Tetras du Canada

Tracey Harmon Photography

Spruce Grouse, Cock or Rooster