Bird ID (Sooty Grouse)

Post by **Sean** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 8:51 am

Can anyone ID this bird found near Thor Peak in the Eastern Sierras? It looks like a sooty grouse to me. Thanks.

DSC01369.JPG

Post by **HikeUp** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 4:01 pm

I concur...sooty grouse. @Mike P

Mike P · Post by **Mike P** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 5:17 pm

Yessiree, gents, sooty grouse! @Sean @HikeUp

Mike P · Post by **Mike P** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 5:35 pm

From my last Whitney trip in 2015 (hens)... From just before the multiple log crossing on, if I remember correctly, Lone Pine Creek. just after the wilderness sign...

IMG_4708.JPG

IMG_4707.JPG

How many sooty grouse here?

IMG_4706.JPG

Talk about camouflage...

IMG_4705.JPG

In 2016 we were heading down into Big Whitney Meadows and there was a hooting male grouse. He made loud "thumping" or "womping" sounds!

Post by **HikeUp** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 8:56 pm

Thanks Mike. I see 2 in the 3rd picture.

Mike P · Post by **Mike P** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 9:20 pm

@HikeUp

Yup. That's what I counted, as well. Although I think we saw 3-4 hens total.

Post by **HikeUp** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 9:55 pm

Their camo makes them look similar to pine cones.