ruffed grouse

passed this grouse on the way home from the mountains one day, it was standing right alongside the road, and didn't move, even when i pulled a u-turn and came back for a second look. i think it thought i couldn't see it with its marvelous camouflage! i parked on the opposite shoulder, rolled down the window of the Jeep, poked the lens out the window, and snapped some shots from about 20 feet away, then went a little ways up the road, made another u-turn, and headed for home again. the bird finally left by the time i passed the spot again... 40D, 100-400L @ 310mm, 1/50 sec @ f/5.6...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...IMG_6757sm.jpg

Great shot. The effort was worth it obviously! :)

nicely spotted! She does look like she'd blend right in.

Yes it does take it's camoflauge for granted. We have grouse here as well and you can get about a foot from them before they fly away(clumsly). But that does prove to be good for photographing them, nice shot!