Hi Tweeters,

On the topic of Spruce Grouse in the Olympics I would have to disagree
with Diann. In working on our book on the Birds of Washington, I have jet
to come across any convincing proof that Spruce Grouse occurs on the
Olympic Peninsula. There are many reports such as the one recently posted,
but there is not a single specimen or recognizable photograph of one from
the area.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife information that I know of is weak at
best, i.e. it is listed by hunters as a bird that they shoot. Considering
that it is a game bird and, therefore, collected often, a specimen should
be around somewhere. Where is the proof? Considering the difficulty in
telling Blue and Spurce Grouse apart sight records should be carefully
documented, something which I have not seen. Also Jewett makes no mention
that they occur in the Olympics.

If there is proof that do occur in the Olympics, I would be happy to
proven wrong. but I will not believe that they occur there until it is
proven to me.

Russell

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Russell Rogers and Mary Moore
6637 Glenwood Drive SW
Olympia WA 98512
(360) 709-9870
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On Wed, 29 Jul 1998, Diann MacRae wrote:

> Scott and Tweets,
>
> I was chastised heartily for stating in my book that the spruce grouse was
> found on the Olympic Peninsula. However, my research was pretty thorough
> and there are records, certainly rare, for this species. Someone from
> Washington F & W was also commenting on this several months ago, stating
> that there were records and did others have more records. I don't know
> what he found out, but I still stand by my statement that there have been
> rare occurences of spruce grouse on the peninsula. Perhaps I should not
> have put any rarities in the book since it was aimed at a newcomer/beginner
> audience, for the most part. And, no, I don't have time to dig into
> records at this point since I leave for South Africa on Sunday. Another
> time, yes.
>
> Regards, Diann MacRae
> Bothell
> tvulture at halcyon.com
>
>
>
>