I wonder if the spruce grouse was put in Maine for lost outdoorsmen, or to feed the hungry ermine; either way, they do a good job of confusing the partridge hunter. Today, a male was not afraid to stare me down in his usual habitat of evergreens– I don’t know what he thought of my camera, but he must not have been too nervous about it as he gave me all the photographs I wanted. Hopping up from the ground into a dead branch, the brave bird turned his back to me as if he knew I could not hurt him. Getting closer for a few more pictures, he seemed like he was starting to get annoyed so I decided it was time to leave. Walking back up the logging road, I spooked a weasel across my trail that I think had been trying to make an easy meal out of the grouse. I would have liked to stay to see the outcome, but my trail companion and I were hungry and heading to lunch.
Bradford Angier compiled an abundance of information covering fire making, wild edibles, navigation and more to help campers survive in the woods.
John Ford, retired Maine game warden, comically shares many of his fortunes and misfortunes while working in the field.
Annette Jackson tells us of her experiences living in the north Maine woods as a game warden's wife in the 1930s.
Michelle Souliere covers strange Maine tales and mysteries ranging from witches to the Loup-Garou.
With hunting season in full swing, Delorme's Atlas and Gazetteer will help you plan a trip, or get from here to there.
Gil Gilpatrick outlines basic outdoor skills for anyone looking to increase their knowledge in planning and packing for a wilderness canoe trip.
Joyce Butler writes of the historical Maine fire that raged in 1947 , burning 200,000 acres including many coastal homes and communities.
Paul Fournier shares stories of being a guide and bush pilot, as well as assisting in the failed reintroduction of caribou in Maine.
Donn Fendler shares his story about being lost on Katahdin, Maine's largest mountain, when he was 12 years of age.
February 2012
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Are they also know as “fools grouse”?
They’re quite colorful.
Are they protected in Maine?
Alan- I have never heard the name fools grouse for them but it would be fitting.
They are protected here, I think that more of their range is in Canada so maybe they are legal to hunt there.
Great pic!
WW- Thank you!
The bird is so hard to spook it makes you wonder how there are any left in the woods.
Peter, I want that photo!! It is BEAUTIFUL!! The greenery , the red, the bits of moss, WOW! Such beauty in nature!
Thank you Therese!
I will be sure to send you one and I am glad that you like it.
I agree, there is so much beauty in nature- I wish the camera, and myself, could do a better job of capturing it.
nice story and picture.
Thank you Nancy.
That bird blends in so well to those branches..except for that beautiful red eyebrow! Great photo Peter. I truly enjoy your blog.
Mike- It sure does. The females have an even more woods color to them without the striking eyebrow. I am glad that you enjoy the blog, it is always so nice to hear.
Nice pic. Happy New Year.
Thank you Norm- Happy New Year to you too!
Beautiful creature, great photo!
Thank you Steve- unfortunately, the spruce grouse was not blessed with both beauty and brains.
Very pretty picture Peter!
Thank you Diane!