On Friday I was on a mountain climbing reconnaissance in Mt. Rainier
National Park. I intentionally left my binoculars at home to force
concentration on landmarks and terrain features. It was very foggy, 50
degrees. While moving from one parking lot to another at about 5000 feet
just west of Paradise, I encountered 2 male Blue Grouse in full display on
snow banks right next to the road. I parked and rolled down the window. It
was a magnificent display with fanned tail, raised yellow eyebrows, and
inflated yellow neck sacks. I hooted back at one bird and he immediately
oriented and responded. For 10 minutes I watched as they fearlessly
strutted back and forth on the crest of the snow bank.

Charles Vaughan
cev at rocket.com
Redmond, WA