May 23rd, 2007. Wenlock WMA, Ferdinand Co., VT.
Spruce Grouse. Dendragapus canadensis. Two males.
Visited the Moose Bog area of Wenlock WMA in the North East Kingdom for the very first time today. It was a bit of a trek from Western Massachusetts, about three and a half hours, but well worth it. Both Spruce Grouse were on the trail to Moose Bog, well described on p.112/3 in Ted Murin and Bryan Pfeiffer's guide 'Birdwatching in Vermont'. I spent a good seven hours in this area working the woods and trails, and eventually found all the boreal specialities - Spruce Grouse (2), Gray Jay (2), Black-backed Woodpecker (2-3), and Boreal Chickadee (2). Also of note, over 15 White-winged Crossbills. The most difficult bird of the day was actually Boreal Chickadee, with only two found at the edge of a flock of Black-capped Chickadees. I found the latter to be plentiful. Lots of other goodies in this really fine birding spot including decent numbers of Golden-crowned Kinglet, Northern Parula, Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue and Magnolia Warblers, Hermit Thrush, Pine Siskin and Purple Finch. Also, singles of Hooded Merganser, Bay-breasted Warbler and Swainson's Thrush.
Images taken using Canon Powershot A540 through Swarovski HD telescope.
The first male.
Interesting comparison of the head patterns of both males. Note especially the difference in color and width of the red 'eyebrow'
between the two birds seen less than 200 meters apart.
The second male. This last image was taken with a standard point and shoot digital camera, no additional optics required!
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