ML646141695

觀察細節

*An island endemic phasianid makes Will a very happy guy. By far the most abundant bird on the moorland. This is an estimate. Most birds were displaying males, some of which aggressively approached me: others were heard only males; still others were flushed in 3’s or 4’s from underfoot, including females. Beautiful looks at many males. Deep maroon overall, some birds more uniform in color, others with patches leaning more towards chestnut or even purple. All had, to a greater or lesser extent, a subtly beautiful barring. The brilliant red eyebrow was standout on every bird and could be glimpsed from a distance with the naked eye. The belly was checkered “Indian corn” black and white and the iconic “hare feet” were fluffy and frosty white. Males were otherwise unmarked but for two white submustachial stripes and a brilliant white eyeing. Wonderfully ovoid, elegant, and purposeful in walking, wonderfully stalk-necked in peering over the heather, and wonderfully dramatic in flushing — which was accomplished with much wing-noise as the birds alternately flapped vigorously or glided with wings held arched downwards, tail feathers splayed and neck held pointed. NOISY grouse: the ridiculous cackles and “go-bagel, go-bagel” call was everywhere heard, often immediately after flushing in flight. A famous grouse indeed