March 25, 2012
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Displaying Ruffed Grouse 001
This grouse was so tame that it let me walk within 15 feet and even sit on its log. It made for some really nice close-up photos.
Displaying Ruffed Grouse 002
I just love the beautiful designs in the feathers especially when the male ruffed grouse fans out its tail and puffs up its neck feathers. These patterns not only give it beauty but provide for camouflage.
Drumming Ruffed Grouse 001
Our spring-like weather seems to be continuing. Last night both the wood frogs and spring peepers started calling. I drove to Cascade River State Park to check on the resident ruffed grouse and a beautiful red phase grouse was drumming on a log right next to one of the campsites. This is about a month earlier than the drumming typically starts.
Drumming Ruffed Grouse 002
The wings don’t actually strike anything. The drumming sound comes from an implosion of air moving through the feathers as the grouse beats its wings faster and faster. Only the male grouse drums to attract a female and tell other males that this is his territory.
