13 Nov. 2020
We started the day at Mount Lorette/Hay Meadows which was not two intriguing aside from a couple of Canada Jays, but the day was destined to get better from here.
Our second destination for the day was Highwood Pass where we encountered a White-tailed Ptarmigan. Although it was hard to spot, it was a pleasure to watch as it foraged in the willows and eventual burrowed into the snow for some rest. We got back in the car to pursue our next target species.
We soon arrived at Lower Kananaskis Lake were we found a Spruce Grouse and several Pine Grosbeaks. The Spruce Grouse was very cooperative allowing us to get some nice photographs before it was scared of by a passing car.
The final bird of the day was a Dusky Grouse that we spotted on the Spray Lakes Road. This Dusky Grouse was a lifer bird for me and I was very happy to photograph it. Much like the Spruce Grouse, it was very cooperative allowing us to get some nice photographs until we decided to head back to Canmore.
This White-tailed Ptarmigan burrowed into the snow to rest and stay warm. Every once in a he would periscope and look around.
This Spruce Grouse was very cooperative. He posed very nicely for us as he ate small pieces of gravel to aid with digestion
The most exiting bird of the day was this beautiful male Dusky Grouse. This was my first ever Dusky Grouse.
