King of the mountain

Spring is the time when all birds must begin their yearly search for mates in order to start the next generation. Many species of birds put on elaborate displays to attract these mates, and Sooty Grouses have one of the most dramatic display rituals of any species on the Canada's west coast, with adult males finding perches high in trees or rocky out crops at high elevations where they spread their tail feathers inflate their air sacs and emit deep hoots to attract any females within ear shot. In order to get this shot I spent several hours waiting at the top of a small mountain until this gorgeous bird made his way to the edge of the cliff to start his dawn ritual. Just as the sun was rising, he made his appearance and provided me with this once in a lifetime opportunity!