ShutterWi: May 2011

Thursday, May 05, 2011

Sharp-Tailed Grouse. Bayfield County WI.

Sharp-Tailed Grouse

Sharp-Tailed Grouse Ruffed Grouse

Comparison Sharp-Tailed vs. Ruffed Grouse

This video was shot earlier today from a blind setup by the U.S. Forest Service, Washburn WI office.

Thank You to all for the opportunity to see this great wildlife display. For additional information about Sharp-Tailed Grouse courting rituals visit this website.

Sharp-Tailed Grouse

This photo is notable as it was the first photo I took at about 5:40 A.M. today.

When we received the basic guide for viewing the Sharp-Tailed Grouse from the blind in the Moquah Barrens, Bayfield County WI. The guide suggested early arrival before sunrise... which we did.

I would suggest really early arrival. We had barely got settled in the blind (zipper shut) when the display started.

It was quite the sight and sound in the blind. With little or no light we fumbled around like a couple of beginners with a new camera we had never used before. I would have like to have been a little bird sitting in a tree watching and listening to the ruckus in the black cube sitting at the open site.

After switching several camera settings and locating the grouse mostly by sound... a point and shoot.

The photo above is the photo I got.... well maybe not exactly... actually it was more like the one below.
It was the one below. Look at the red "beady eyes" which were staring back.

PHOTOSHOP it's a wonderful thing.
Suggestions for future visits ... arrive at the blind really really early and be ready.
Thanks to the U.S. Forest Service, Washburn, WI office for providing this great opportunity.