Sooty Grouse

Mt.Rainier at Paradise. National Park.

This bird seemed not very afraid of people. It was sort of strolling in front of two hikers, when we approached from the other side and so it went into the bushes. To get its attention I whistled low repeated "tune" (the only whistle I can do) and to my immense surprise it responded! It looked around, leaned more forward.

I don't know much about field birds, but this bird made me think of a pheasant... (despite this being alpine territory)