I've seen what were presumably Sooty Grouse displaying on the ground at
Paradise on Mt. Rainier. I doubt that such behavioral tendencies are that
rigidly programmed.

Gene.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Dossett" <phainopepla at yahoo.com>
To: <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2007 9:57 AM
Subject: [Tweeters] Dusky vs. Sooty Grouse - tree or ground displaying?


> 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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