Fool Hen or Saavy Mom? The Dusky Grouse
I could almost have reached out to touch the Dusky Grouse hen in these photos. Is that why they are called “fool hens”? She was clucking the whole time, and I caught a glimpse of at least three almost grown chicks. Was she being foolish or was she the lookout, acting as a decoy and ready to fly if I made a move towards her?
I guess I will have to keep the matter under consideration. But all those years of evolution can’t be wrong. There are still grouse and they still stand, watch and call. And they have survived. It is hard to argue with that kind of success.
Hen watching me and “clucking” to her young
The hen watching me closely.
Sitting pretty
Three weeks later the hen and her chicks are still together
all writing and photos copyright Joanne Siderius 2013.
siderius blog 
Great shots, Joanne!
Thanks – I have to thank the grouse, though!
Of course, she’s very photogenic.
oops. I had originally identified this grouse as a Ruffed Grouse – she is, in fact a Dusky Grouse. Still an interesting bird!