Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)

Locally common in mountainous regions of western North America.
Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
12 Sep 2013

Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
14 Sep 2013

Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
1 Sep 2013

Impressively camouflaged against the Ponderosa Pine bark!

Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
1 Sep 2013

Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
Below Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
21 Apr 2014

Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
17 July 2013

This chick had trouble scrambling up the slope to get back under the bushes with Mama but soon was able to re-join the family.

Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
17 July 2013

Very well camoflaged!


Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
Below Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
22 July 2014

Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) latrine
Below Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
17 Apr 2014

Eating mostly conifer needles and buds in low branches in winter, Dusky Grouse scat piles can build up in impressive numbers. The droppings are dry and crumbly and resemble senesced pollen cones from pine trees.

Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) latrine
Below Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
17 Apr 2014
Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) scat
Below Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
19 May 2014
Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) scat
Below Mt. Baldy, Missoula Co., MT
19 May 2014

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Created on ... August 4, 2013 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com