The past week has been unique in terms of game birds … this morning when the heavy fog lifted I found both northern Minnesota Boreal Forest grouse species. I think the grouse … Spruce and Ruffed, both wanted to dry off. Last week in Iceland’s tundra habitat I saw my first ever Rock Ptarmigans. Thanks to my “eagle eyed” reader, Annie, who noticed that in fact Ptarmigan chicks were in my “rock images”, I went back and reviewed my master images. Thus, today I bring you reworked Rock Ptarmigan photos … complete with chicks! The post also includes the southern cousins of the boreal forest. As a bonus I am including a Broad Winged Hawk which was trying to dry off, but also trying to hunt the young Ruffed Grouse chicks.

Rock Ptarmigan & Chicks

Just the parent now …

Spruce Grouse

Ruffed Grouse (2 different birds)

Broad-Winged Hawk