Middle-Fork

these are pretty amazing - that the bird let you get that close and then hung out long enough for you to take the pix

What a beautiful bird. what camera did you use? I am looking for a compact digital but can't imagine anyone one of those taking a picture like this.
Thanks for sharing.

(*) Wow! Amazing pictures. I love the way the grouse is looking at you with the wonder and awe that you are looking at it. magic (*)

This was at the Oregon Country Fair. I was walking from the Craft's Lot through the Hoarse Choralle toward Chela Mela when this bird popped out to say hi. It pecked me a bit, strutted back and forth, and made me think of Tuvan throat singing with a simultaneous high pitched cheeping and a low but louder bass thrum.
It was hailing lightly. After a short visit, I walked on, and this Oregon Ruffled Grouse joined me until I reached the Children's Loop, where it disappeared under a fence.

I use a Pentax *Ist DS DSLR, with the stock smc p-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens. It's a great camera, and was the top of their DSLR line 3 years ago.
They run about $500 now.

John Burgess says:

"Now you have met the South Park Grouse (SPG). She has been around since last years fair and nests just inside of Ho Rd. Last year she brooded six chicks and was on her nest the whole fair. She is an asset and a treasure of the fair. Though until an individual has experienced her for themselves she is a will 'o' the wisp, and every time that someone else encounters the SPG her legend grows."

That bird attacked me and stole the hat off my head. I thought it was friendly at first but it waited until I wasn't paying attention....

That grouse isn't looking in wonder and awe, it's sizing you up.

Pretty awesome bird. But don't turn your back on it.