This photo was just a surprise. On the drive back from Bowman Lake in Glacier National Park, we crossed a small bridge and go out because we liked what we saw. While wandering along a path, we came across this spruce grouse, just sitting contently.

I quietly switched to a long lens and took several photos before the grouse continued on its way.

It was only after I studied the photo later that I came to appreciate the intricate details of its feathers and the ruby red eye ring.

Canon EOS 10D, Tamron 200-400mm f/4.5-5.6 Aspherical @390mm, 1/320 sec @ f/5.6, ISO equiv 100, handheld