Seward, Alaska
The good dogs pointed out a dead SPRUCE GROUSE this morning in the grass next to a dirt road near Fourth of July Beach. Maybe he ventured out before dawn to find grit for his crop when a vehicle accidentally hit him with a glancing blow and killed him.
The handsome bird was in excellent condition though his right wing was broken at the shoulder joint. I picked him up and admired his solidity and heft. His feathers felt so soft as I stroked his back, so sorry for the loss.
I have never seen or heard of Spruce Grouse in this area. There is, however, a parcel of spruce/hemlock forest on the east side of the road that would provide suitable habitat.
As a northern species, the Spruce Grouse is high on many visiting birders’ lists. Though fairly common, this is often a difficult species to find unless it chooses to lead you down a trail before finally veering off to disappear into the shadows. Or, one might hunker down in a spruce tree, assuming you can’t see it.
Several years ago, I had the pleasure of watching a male perform in Denali for a hidden female (or just for the heck of it). He strutted about, chest puffed out, red combs inflated, chestnut-tipped tail spread and quivering for maximum effect. He was magnificent! I at least, was very impressed!
Check out the ADFG booklet “The Grouse and Ptarmigan of Alaska, A guide to their identification, habits, and habitat” on-line at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/library/pdfs/grouse_ptarmigan_booklet.pdf.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
The good dogs pointed out a dead SPRUCE GROUSE this morning in the grass next to a dirt road near Fourth of July Beach. Maybe he ventured out before dawn to find grit for his crop when a vehicle accidentally hit him with a glancing blow and killed him.
The handsome bird was in excellent condition though his right wing was broken at the shoulder joint. I picked him up and admired his solidity and heft. His feathers felt so soft as I stroked his back, so sorry for the loss.
I have never seen or heard of Spruce Grouse in this area. There is, however, a parcel of spruce/hemlock forest on the east side of the road that would provide suitable habitat.
As a northern species, the Spruce Grouse is high on many visiting birders’ lists. Though fairly common, this is often a difficult species to find unless it chooses to lead you down a trail before finally veering off to disappear into the shadows. Or, one might hunker down in a spruce tree, assuming you can’t see it.
Several years ago, I had the pleasure of watching a male perform in Denali for a hidden female (or just for the heck of it). He strutted about, chest puffed out, red combs inflated, chestnut-tipped tail spread and quivering for maximum effect. He was magnificent! I at least, was very impressed!
Check out the ADFG booklet “The Grouse and Ptarmigan of Alaska, A guide to their identification, habits, and habitat” on-line at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/library/pdfs/grouse_ptarmigan_booklet.pdf.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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