Ruffed Grouse 001

There are two species of grouse in the boreal forest along the North Shore. This week I got the opportunity to spend time photographing both ruffed and spruce grouse.

Both species will allow a person to get pretty close if you take your time and move very slowly. This ruffed grouse was with a family of six.

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Ruffed Grouse 002

They worked their way over to a patch of clover along a hiking trail. This one looks like a little ball of fluff if viewed straight on.

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Ruffed Grouse 003

Even though not brightly colored, the feather patterns are very striking.

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Ruffed Grouse 004

After following this one for about an hour she showed no fear and walked right past me along top of this log, one foot in front of the other.

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Spruce Grouse 001

We found a pair of spruce grouse along the Gunflint Trail. This is the female.

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Spruce Grouse 002

Both the male and female flew into a nearby spruce and started to feed on the needles.

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Spruce Grouse 003

The male is more colorful with the red above the eye and the patches of white and black feathers.

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Spruce Grouse 004

He started to display but before he got fully puffed up, a car went by and scared him so he scooted off into the woods.

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