Spruce Grouse, Falcipennis canadensis
One of my favorite trails at Algonquin Park is the Spruce Bog Trail. There is a boardwalk over typical northern bog after passing through a stand of Black Spruce. It is a great place for birds such as Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Alder Flycatcher and Black-backed Woodpecker.
I was walking through the stand of Black Spruce when something large wizzed past my head, settled on the ground and gave me a beady eye. It was a male Spruce Grouse who had apparently considered me an intruder. It looked fabulous with the bright red on its head gleaming in the dark forest floor.
The picture below is a female with three chicks which was taken in Quebec.
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