Greater Sage Grouse

[Isaac Grant]

In addition to all of the shots of these birds displaying, I was very happy to get a shot like this. After the displaying stopped this was the only male that did not walk away or fly off. It stayed very close to the road and calmly did what Sage Grouse do. It ate some sage.

Canon 1DX and Canon 500 f4 ii + 1.4xiii. ISO 1600, F8, 1/1250. Hand held while leaning on car door

Processed with DPP 4.6 and PS. Hopefully the quality shows as this was a full frame shot and the file was just very big. Had to lower the size to 1000 wide and the quality to 88 to get it down to size.

[David Salem]

What a great look at this beautiful yet cryptic bird. I have been Hunting these guys with my trained falcons since the 80s and I always love being in Sage grouse country. They are the largest grouse in North America and their powers of flight, especially when being pursued by a hungry falcon, is second to none.
They can, and do, fly over large mountain ranges in a single flight. Pilots have recorded them flying at over 15,000ft as they clear some ranges. Their huge pecs are the key and their meat is purple/red to hold more oxygen for strong bursts of flight to escape predators, and long duration flights to get to water or foraging spots dozens of miles away.
This image meets all the prerequisites of a sweet shot. Well done Issac

[annmpacheco]

Well done Isaac, classic sage grouse eating da sage! I like the habitat and the BG being soft with the greens and browns. Interesting info David, birds are just spectacular when you know some of their cool facts!

[gail bisson]

I am " lovin" all this learning!
Really nice image Isaac. The behaviour captured is excellent. I love the sage eating the sage!
Light was a bit bright but certainly not a deal breaker.
Great composition, exposure is perfect. I love the clear view of the eye and a look at the foot.
You captured him at the perfect moment- pulling the sage .
I know a lower POV was not possible but it sure would have been nice !
Gail

[Joseph Przybyla]

I echo the previous comments, lovely image. Thank you for sharing, Isaac.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Great view of this species Isaac. Well photographed, and I like the bit in the bill.

David, thanks for the info about Sage Grouse!

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Beautiful looking bird, Isaac. Like the habitat and the dining on Sage plant. Just a remarkable feather pattern you've captured so well in the bright light. Very much like the degree of softness in the BG.

Geoffrey




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