04-27-2013, 01:28 PM
It's a male Capercaillie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Capercaillie), probably a young one. I've never seen one this close before, only from a distance. Many years ago I witnessed their courting ritual in a clearing in the woods, very early in the morning. Quite a spectacular sight, with the male surrounded by at least ten hens as he sang for them and displayed his tail feathers!
I've heard of several people actually being attacked by them if getting too close, so I was very cautious as I got closer to him.
Svein
I've heard of several people actually being attacked by them if getting too close, so I was very cautious as I got closer to him.
Svein