5/14/05: The Hope Pass Trail...

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5/14/05: The Hope Pass Trail...

5/14/05: The Hope Pass Trail...

5/14/05: The Hope Pass Trail is laden with snow up high through at least May. Aspens are plentiful, and so is wildlife. Besides numerous mountain goats and some deer, I also came across this bird, fanning its feathers. I thought it looked too dark to be a ptarmigan, and I was unable to get a closer shot. Can anyone help me out? A quail perhaps?
Brad Snider
on May 15, 2005 12:23 pm
Lat/Lon: 39.01800°N / 106.3946°W
Image ID: 105098

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desainme

desainme - May 15, 2005 12:44 pm - Voted 10/10

A grouse? they are common in Maine

I guess you would have recognized a turkey!

Brad Snider

Brad Snider - May 15, 2005 12:54 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: A grouse? they are common in Maine

This picture is about the best look I got at it, so I'm not sure. I have often confused ptarmigans with grouse. It seemed too small to be a turkey, and I must mention this was at about 11,000 feet.

Lee Stamm

Lee Stamm - May 15, 2005 5:03 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: A grouse? they are common in Maine

Grouse and Ptarmigan are closely related, and rather similar in appearance. However, Ptarmigan are generally smaller, and are usually seen at timberline or above, only occasionally in forested areas. Judging from the upright, tail-spread display, and the geographic location and habitat, it is most likely a Blue Grouse.

colint

colint - Feb 17, 2006 11:27 pm - Hasn't voted

If it was a ptarmigan

you would have been able to get a closer shot!

Viewing: 1-4 of 4