Spruce Grouse
Falcipennis canadensis

f4.5 @ 1/8000s, ISO:1600, Nikon D3S w 500mm

"Spruce Grouse," Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. As a specialist of the taiga, the spruce grouse is found throughout Canada. In the United States, it is present in Alaska, northern New England, northern Michigan, northeastern Minnesota, and the montane coniferous forests of Montana, Idaho, Maine, Oregon, and Washington. Spruce grouse are always associated with conifer-dominated forests, be they pine, spruce, or fir. They seem to prefer young successional stands. In summer they can be found near rich understory of blueberries and other shrub, and in winter they prefer denser stands.

Dalton Highway, Coldfoot, Alaska

10/09/2014