Dusky grouse in the conifers

Dusky grouse are masters of sitting still and trusting their camouflage rather than flushing, and this one nearly blended completely into the mottled bark and needles of a rain-dampened conifer. It took a slow approach and a fair bit of patience before it held a clean, unobstructed pose.

Why it matters

Dusky grouse spend summer at lower elevations and move upslope into dense conifer forest for fall and winter, switching their diet almost entirely to pine and fir needles — a rare bird able to subsist on food most other species can’t digest.

Getting the shot

Overcast, post-rain light was soft and even, which kept the grouse’s subtle plumage pattern from getting blown out or lost in harsh shadow. Focused tight on the eye and let the surrounding pine needles, some still beaded with rain, frame the rest of the bird.