Physical characteristics of Blue Grouse winter use-trees and roost sites

-Physical characteristics ofwinter use-trees and roost sites ofBlue Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) were studied in northeastern Utah. Blue Grouse selectively roosted in the largest Douglas-fir (Pseudotsliga menziesii) trees during the day and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) trees at night. Diurnal and nocturnal roosts were typically adjacent to tree trunks in the lower two-thirds oftrees. Nocturnal roosts prOVided greater canopy and denser shelter than diurnal roosts. Roost site selection was consistent with occupation offavorable microhabitat, particularly at night, and foraging strategy during the day. Timber management strategies should perpetuate large trees within Douglas-fir-subalpine fir habitat in areas occupied by wintering Blue Grouse.