Don Jones

grouseattack22

Online Editors — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:27:58 -0400

But, adding insult to injury, he couldn’t resist one last salute as he walked away.

grouseattack21

Online Editors — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:27:57 -0400

Having proven his point and successfully defended his territory, Brutus decided we were no real threat. With a smirk that seemed to say, “Had enough, tough guy?” he strutted off.

grouseattack14

Online Editors — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:25:47 -0400

Having drawn first blood, the grouse seemed satisfied that his message had been delivered.

grouseattack13

Online Editors — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:25:46 -0400

Wham! In a flash, Brutus went on the attack, lunging at Ralph with beak and claws flailing. He opened a nasty gash in Ralph’s face.

grouseattack12

Online Editors — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:25:45 -0400

In fact, the more comfortable Brutus got, the more uncomfortable we got. Having a wild bird with a sharp beak perched only inches from our eyes and tender ear lobes seemed like a little too much togetherness. Our feeling of unease was warranted, and we were about to find out why.

grouseattack11

Online Editors — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:25:43 -0400

Brutus became so relaxed that he acted more like a domestic parrot than a wild grouse.

grouseattack10

Online Editors — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:25:42 -0400

He even posed for close-ups!

grouseattack9

Online Editors — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:25:41 -0400

Brutus seemed to like the attention, strutting across the log like a supermodel on a catwalk. We all took full advantage, clicking off shots of this suddenly very accommodating grouse.

grouseattack8

Online Editors — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:25:40 -0400

I decided to see if I could get Brutus to come to me. Remembering his obsession with my buddy’s knee, I propped my foot on a log. Sure enough, Brutus climbed right up my leg.

grouseattack7

Online Editors — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:25:38 -0400

I quickly found that getting those wide shots of Brutus wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought. As I pressed closer to fill the frame, Brutus got a bit irritated and unleashed a throaty growl. I’d heard similar threatening vocalizations from male Sage Grouse preparing to fight each other, but never before had I heard this sound from a Dusky Grouse.