Hi Ruth and Patrick,

Regarding the male Dusky Grouse, he wasn't fending you away from a nest site. Male Dusky (and Sooty) and all male grouse for that matter (Sage, Ruffed, Spruce) do not take any part in the nesting process. The female makes the nest, incubates the eggs, and takes care of the chicks with no help from the male. The male will mate with any female that comes into his territory. You were most likely perceived as a threat or competitor to this male grouse and hence he was defending his territory. I have heard similar reports of male "blue" grouse exhibiting this behavior towards people, particularly in the heightened state of displaying. Interesting observation none-the-less and great photos!

Jeff Kozma
Yakima, WA

j kozma at charter dot net