Ruffed Grouse

Spring seems to be coming early this year. With the warm temperatures the snow is melting and signs of wildlife are everywhere. Four ruffed grouse were feeding in the birch by our house. After feeding for about an hour they flew down to walk around on the top of the snow. They were not afraid of me taking their photo. A pine marten passed by less than 100 feet from the grouse. I thought he would pick up their scent but he must have had other things on his mind.

RuffedGrouse

Pine Grosbeak

Several Pine Grosbeaks came to the feeders. The male is very colorful.

PineGrosbeak

Northern Shrike

We had a Northern Shrike around for several days. The Northern Shrike takes smaller birds and mice. We saw it get a mouse. The other birds sought cover whenever the shrike was around.

NorthernShrike

Weasel 001

The most interesting critter to watch is the weasel. We saw it several times. Weasels are very fast. It kept popping its head out of the different holes in the snow.

Weasel

Weasel 002

Every once in a while one of the red squirrels would give chase but I am sure if he got too close the weasel could hold his own against the squirrel.

Weasel