2104_0324 Sharp-tailed Grouse
I have visited a grouse lek several times this spring to photograph their displays, challenges, and battles. The photos make it look like non-stop action, but in reality they spend much of the time staring each other down and waiting for some unknown signal to begin their distinctive drumming and dancing.
I've remained in my car for most of this time. It's quite rare to find a lek located right beside the road. This creates a slightly downward shooting angle, not too noticeable when using a long lens, and in fact useful because it allows a view over the tall, bunched grass. One morning, though, I decided to try slipping out of my vehicle - in full view - for some eye level shots. I did so very slowly, until I was lying flat on the ground beside my car. No grouse flew off the lek. Some, including the grouse seen here, even approached me. When it ruffled those feathers and head comb, while facing into the light, I managed this intimate, eye level portrait.
Photographed in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2021 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
2104_0324 Sharp-tailed Grouse
I have visited a grouse lek several times this spring to photograph their displays, challenges, and battles. The photos make it look like non-stop action, but in reality they spend much of the time staring each other down and waiting for some unknown signal to begin their distinctive drumming and dancing.
I've remained in my car for most of this time. It's quite rare to find a lek located right beside the road. This creates a slightly downward shooting angle, not too noticeable when using a long lens, and in fact useful because it allows a view over the tall, bunched grass. One morning, though, I decided to try slipping out of my vehicle - in full view - for some eye level shots. I did so very slowly, until I was lying flat on the ground beside my car. No grouse flew off the lek. Some, including the grouse seen here, even approached me. When it ruffled those feathers and head comb, while facing into the light, I managed this intimate, eye level portrait.
Photographed in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2021 James R. Page - all rights reserved.