Grouse Encounters Of The Weird Kind
I will be writing more about the “sagebrush safari” that I enjoyed with my RebBubble friend, Ann Appel, and her husband, Rich, whom I met in person for the first time on 26 May, 2009 … but this brief moment on our journey through some eastern Nevada back country may well stand as my most memorable piece of it
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# 1 ARTISTS OF REDBUBBLE , Birds and Creatures of Flight, Bits and Pieces , Conservation Photography, contrasting perceptions HELP WANTED NEED CO HOST TO RUN CHALLENGES APPLY IN THE FORUMS. THANKS, Day Hikes , Everyday Life, Everyday Women, First Things, I Love Birds, JPG Cast-Offs, Live, Love, Dream: , Mysteries of the Common, Old farts of redbubble, Outsiders, Safe Haven, Shameless Self-Promotion, Sisters in Arms (feminine relationship described), Something To Say, The Patchwork , THE SISTERHOOD, The true beauty, Two Beings Group, Western United States Artists and Photographers and Wild Nature Photography & WritingI will be writing more about the “sagebrush safari” that I enjoyed with my RebBubble friend, Ann Appel, and her husband, Rich, whom I met in person for the first time on 26 May, 2009 … but this brief moment on our journey through some eastern Nevada back country may well stand as my most memorable piece of it:
On our very first photo op stop, in Lamoille Canyon, we got out to shoot a glacial waterfall that was running down one wall of the gorge. Ann was kneeling on the pavement, shooting up.
As we looked up the road, we noticed a plump bird, about the size of a small chicken, emerging from under the guardrail. As it waddled toward us, I kept expecting it to realize that we were humans, and take flight. Closer it came. Closer and closer…. until it was right up to us.
The sage grouse clucked and warbled – a barely audible throaty, rasping sound. It came right up to Ann, cocked its head and began “talking” to her. The wild bird showed no fear of any of us, but seemed particularly taken with the nice lady trying to take photographs from the roadside. I daresay, we were all amazed by the bird’s peculiar behavior.
It walked all around Ann, who remained on the ground, and at one point, climbed right up on her foot! I was fascinated by the interaction that I was witnessing here!
First of all; grouse tend to be timid, flighty creatures. I have never known one to allow a human being to get within 50 yards. This creature had attitude!
On the other count, Ann was cool and calm, chuckling at the crazy grouse antics—until it made a jab at her with its beak. Somewhat less amused, but still undaunted, she continued to shoot from the ground, watchful but apparently not the least bit intimidated.
The grouse, I think, would have followed Ann all day, had not someone intervened and distracted it so she could get back to her shooting.
During that brief encounter, I deduced many things about my new friend, Ann:
1.) She is comfortable with Nature and animals.
2.) She is not easily disturbed.
3.) She is as addicted to photography as I am.
4.) Regardless of any differences in our backgrounds, attitudes, or experience, we were going to get along just fine!
And from that moment, I knew this was going to be one extraordinary adventure!
(Photos published with permission.)
RedBubble Album: People Of The West
FlowersEtc
It may have wanted help for a mate, food or friends 8<)/ Great shots
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, Flowers!
At first, I kept thinking, “Somebody must have been feeding this bird!” .... but Lamoille is closed throughout most of the winter, and had only been open for a few days before we got there. I suppose it had no fear, because it had no experience with people. I think it was mostly curious about these strange beings that had come into its territory. :)
Jay Morgan
That variety of bird will distract you . Usually if it has young nearby, I’ve had them roll down the trail right in front of me that was a strange sight . Great shot of interesting behavior from these amazing birds .
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, Jay!
Yes, we did suppose the grouse had a nest nearby. If the bird aimed for distraction, she certainly accomplished her mission!
Vanessa Anderberg
Great story and captures…bizzare but cool:)
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thanks, Vanessa!
Please do check out Ann’s images of eastern Nevada. An inveterate photo-head, she did a marvelous job of capturing our spring adventures! :)
KarenKSmith
What a great story and photos. Waiting to read more about you and Ann’s adventure:)
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, Karen!
Please do check out Ann’s images of eastern Nevada!
Randall Spencer
Great memory, one to always remember. Then again how on earth could you ever forget. Ü
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thanks, Randall! Nope. I don’t think I ever will!
Bob Wall
That is a very cool story. I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with elephant seals recently, and it seemed like several of them were posing for me. You just never know what will happen when shooting wildlife.
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thanks for the comments, Bob!
Wild animals are my favorite subjects – as you say; one just never knows what will happen … :D
Kate Purdy
Amazing and wonderful experience, thanks for sharing this with the rest of us!
Kate