blue grouse

[squirl033]

spotted this blue grouse some time back up near Mt. Baker... he boomed at me a couple of times, then wandered off into the underbrush...

[Bambi]

yes it certainly looks like you ruffled his feathers!!!

I can just see him thinking 'damn tourists'.

I've never seen one of these before. neat looking bird.

[Mad Aussie]

Interesting feathers below his neck area there. Nice shot.

[Marko]

I agree, interesting bird, cool colour especially the poppy yellow - nice catch!

[JAS_Photo]

Great capture! Lovely detail in the feathers and sharp eye!

[squirl033]

Interesting feathers below his neck area there. Nice shot.

I agree, interesting bird, cool colour especially the poppy yellow - nice catch!

the yellow isn't feathers... the male blue grouse has air sacs in the sides of his neck which he can expand and use to make a deep, booming call. "booming" is used during mating season to impress females and at other times to express alarm or try to drive off potential predators. when the air sacs are deflated, the yellow isn't visible, and his neck is covered with gray feathers, like this...

[Mad Aussie]

Cool! Never heard of an air sac booming capable bird before.