I have never seen a Dusky Grouse. Doug Thorburn has and he sent me these pictures of a male displaying on the mountain slopes above Nelson last Sunday. It is a sight that rivals the display of the Wild Turkey.
This is the male doing his song and dance to impress a female. At the moment he is showing a red eyebrow.
Moments later, his eyebrows are yellow—a fine transition.
This female is the object of his affection.
How could she ever resist such a visage?
Doug Thorburn’s images are used with permission.
Splendor in the grass…
Remarkable; There are more things in Heaven and earth….
Doug has captured some wonderful images. Note the change in colour of the combs as the bird pumps more or less blood into them as part of the display process. I suffer grouse envy.