Male Spruce Grouse

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Comments


Jane LeBlanc

I love this shot, Debra. The bird stands out so clearly against the background. The spruce grouse around here are outnumbered by the ruffed grouse, which are not as colourful. I think the only time I've seen a spruce grouse was in Algonquin Park in Ontario. I keep looking, though. Very nice shot

Debra Plett

This shot was taken in Eagle Dogtooth Provincial park in North Western Ontario. THanks very,urchin Jane.

Heather Mellon

Gorgeous bird and a great shot, he stands out beautifully here, Debra. I agree with Clifford because I rarely ever come across a male spruce grouse either. I saw a trio of females in the hills the other day but they were gone before I could stop and get the camera out.

Debra Plett

Thanks very much Heather. I find if the females are feeding on needles they will stick around. I normally have lots of time to get a picture of them. But the male is like a buck.if they show themself they will stay on the edge of the bush and take off quickly.

Clifford Dupuis

These males are great to photograph if you can be lucky enough as you were. Nicely done Debra

Debra Plett

Thanks very much Clifford. This is the first fall that the male has showed himself.

Yves Langlois

What a beautyful shot Debra. No sunlight on the gouse but the colours are amasing. I think the angle with the pale tree in the back was a great choice. It's nice that you can offers us so beautyful shots of the spruce gouse. (I dream of doing a shot like that, but never will)

Debra Plett

These birds hang out in areas of spruce, tamarack and pine trees. I am sure if you encounter one you will get a great image. Thanks very much Yves for your very appreciated comments.

Description
The spruce grouse is known for its tameness. However, this guy chose to keep his distance unlike the females that have been hanging around. In the fall they love to eat the cones and needles from the tamarack trees.
Taken By
Debra Plett
Taken On
October 16, 2025
Tagged
spruce grouse pine tree trees tamarack dogtooth lake eagle provincial park ontario animal bird plant vertebrate beak wildlife landfowl phasianidae feather terrestrial_animal
Assignments
Wildlife Parks
  • Focal: 200
  • Lens Model: Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM (SAL70300G)
  • Shutter speed: 0.000625 sec
  • Aperture: f/ 6.3

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