This time of year the North Woods is filled with the sound of birds. One of those sounds that I enjoy is the drumming of the male ruffed grouse. Every spring the male drums for two reasons. One is to tell other males that this is his territory and keep out. Most important, he drums to tell all eligible female ruffed grouse in the area that he is available and waiting.

The wings don’t actually strike anything. The sounds come from the implosion of air filling the void under his wings. The wings in their forward motion appear as if he is conducting an orchestra from his vantage point on his log. The tail, head and body remain completely motionless as the wings move with incredible speed. You think he would lift right off the log as he beats his wings.

It is a challenge to photograph these drumming birds. They are very wary and watch for any movement around them. I usually use a blind that is set up in advance so that they get used to it before I sneak up for photos. Once in a while you can find a male that is more interested in finding a mate than fearful of humans.

This week I found one of those and he let me sit within ten feet of him as he went through his spring ritual. I was there when the female showed up. He ran toward her without giving me a second glance.