Since the split was announced, I've wondered if people
make too much of this particular behaviour. I notice
in Jeff's recent note of Sooty displaying on the
ground just west of Naches and another person
commented on this earlier in the week. I've also at
times heard speculation that Sooty Grouse displaying
on the ground east of the cascade crest may be in part
due to the influence of Dusky genes near the contact
zone.

As for my own observations, on Johnson Ridge in
Snohomish County, the Sooty Grouse can be frequently
observed displaying on the ground at the base of the
trees along the trail. Clearly this is well outside
the contact zone between the two forms. In fact I've
only once seen one displaying from the trees there.
I've also observed male Sooty Grouse displaying from
the ground several times in the foothills of the coast
range here near Corvallis, Oregon.

Just some food for thought. I'm curious to hear of
other people's observations.

Michael Dossett



Michael Dossett
Corvallis, Oregon
www.Mdossettphoto.com
phainopepla at yahoo.com

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