I took these pictures late last September along the road to Bell Rock on the Slave River. Obviously these birds feel safe standing still on the side of the road and many find their way to dinner plates using this technique. Amazing camouflage. Pete Olsen photo

Grouse are a group of birds from the order Galliformes. Grouse inhabit temperate and subarctic regions of the northern hemisphere. They are game and are sometimes hunted for food.

In all but one species (the Willow Grouse), males are polygamous, and many species have elaborate courtship displays. These heavily built birds have legs feathered to the toes. Most species are year-round residents, and do not migrate.

These birds feed mainly on vegetation, but also on insects, especially when feeding young.