Birds from Wyoming-Part Two

After learning that good numbers of Dusky Grouse had been seen on Signal Mountain, we made several attempts to locate them before we were successful.  Dusky Grouse were once called Blue Grouse but the rulers of ornithological classification have changed their minds...hence, they are now Dusky, at least for the time being.

Here a male is displaying, trying to attract a female...

 

The object of his desire, of course, is the female of the species.  The one seen here was ignoring the best efforts of the male to attract her attention...

While looking for photographic subjects on Pacific Creek Road we came across this Lazuli Bunting. Similar in some regards to the Indigo Bunting found in the East, but with interesting color variations...

A Great Blue Heron surveys a beaver pond along the Moose-Wilson Road...

Magpies were common sights at picnic areas and traffic turn outs as they searched for food left by visitors...

 

Ravens could be found in the same places, competing with the magpies for leftovers...

 

We found this Tree Swallow resting on a stop sign...

A Downy Woodpecker was busy feeding a chick on the Moose-Wilson Road...

Some exploring in national forest land led us to a Ruffed Grouse and her chicks...

Ruffed Grouse used to be common in this part of Maryland.  I think it has been 20 years since I have seen one here.  No one can offer a conclusive explanation for their disappearance.

Thanks for visiting.  Look for more photos from Wyoming in the coming days.