Rampageous Wood Grouse of the Suvanto Road

(Tarjolla on myös suomenkielinen versio sivusta.)

This is a set of photos and video clips of a Wood Grouse (a Western Capercaillie), filmed terrorizing passing-by vehicles on the dirt road leading to the village of Suvanto in Pelkoseniemi, Finland on the 3rd of May 2003. #

# The Video Clips

You should see three video clips below. They're in YouTube, so their visibility depends on whether YouTube is up or not. There's no sound since the camera I used had no microphone.

Here, the Grouse is still in the forest, acting menacingly. Since we ignored his threats, he decided he needed to come closer in order to scare us away.

Here he is, trying to intimidate our car. Another car arrives and is also challenged. When the other car eventually leaves, the grouse chases it wildly.

To film this last clip I got out of the car and approached the creature. He immediately began to run towards me, looking very fierce, so I gradually retreated back inside.

# The Photos

Male Wood Grouse: facing

Male Wood Grouse: facing

Male Wood Grouse: from far right

Male Wood Grouse: facing, tilted

Male Wood Grouse: from the right, spreading his wings

Male Wood Grouse: facing

Male Wood Grouse: from the front-left

Male Wood Grouse: from the right, spreading his wings

Male Wood Grouse: from the right

Male Wood Grouse: facing

Male Wood Grouse: from the right, through the wind shield, standing on the hood

Male Wood Grouse: from the right, through the wind shield, standing on the hood

Male Wood Grouse: from the front-left, through the wind shield, standing on the hood

Male Wood Grouse: from the right, through the rear wind shield, standing on the car

Male Wood Grouse: view from side mirror

Male Wood Grouse: from the right, through the rear wind shield, standing on the car

Male Wood Grouse: from the left, through the rear wind shield, standing on the car

Male Wood Grouse: facing

Male Wood Grouse: facing

Male Wood Grouse: from the front-left

Male Wood Grouse: from the front-left

Male Wood Grouse: from the right

Male Wood Grouse: from the front-left

Male Wood Grouse: facing