White Headed Grouse

1D Mk 1v, 600mm f4, 1/3200s, f4, iso 500

This fellow caused quite a stir when he appeared recently. No idea why his head is white, but that doesn't sound like a sensible strategy on a Scottish moor in August.....

I have no idea either as to why it has a white head, not very well camouflaged now is it.
A nice capture.

Geoff.

He'll have started into his winter moult. Usually it's their legs that go white, but I've seen plenty of others with assorted white feathers.

Great capture in a lovely setting. It stands out very well like this.

Could be partial leucistic, I saw a Willow tit with all white primary feathers the other day.

Yes, it's a good capture, haven't done these for years.

Andy...

Lovely composition makes the image for me and very different to the normal RG image

Great setting and well captured, the white head looks very impractical!

Nice comp and colours - not going to be one of this seasons last survivors is he!!

Great looking bird, if a little conspicuous, and what an excellent setting.

Ian

As you might know, Red Grouse are a sub-species of Willow Grouse which do turn white in winter (to varying degrees) so this might be a genetic throwback - never seen it before but likely to be quite widespread if that is the explanation. Interesting!
Pete

Quite a unique but wonderful image Ian.
Wish I'd known you were there on Sunday.Liked to have said hello.

Phil.

Nice shot, well done