Grouse, Ptarmigan and Quail

These birds are always a joy to photograph. Most grouse and ptarmigan can be surprisingly approachable, relying on remarkable camouflage rather than flight to evade predators. Quail, on the other hand, vanish the moment they dive into the shrubbery, making them a real challenge to photograph. Most of the quail images shown here were taken at Point Reyes, California, where fenceposts offer perfect perches for their brief appearances.