Drumming Ruffed Grouse 001

Another indication that spring has arrived on the North Shore is the reverberation of the male ruffed grouse as he loudly marks his territory letting other male grouse know that this area is his. The female is attracted to the noise.

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Drumming Ruffed Grouse 002

Unless something drastically happens they will use the same log for life. They proudly stand on the top of the log and beat their wings faster and faster. The noise comes from an implosion of air coming through the feathers. It sounds like an internal combustion engine trying to start.

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Drumming Ruffed Grouse 003

This one is a red phase as shown in the reddish feathers. There are both gray and red phase ruffed grouse.

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Drumming Ruffed Grouse 004

I think the tail feathers are remarkably beautiful with their intricate patterns and colors.

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Drumming Ruffed Grouse 005

I watched this one drum in Cascade River State Park for about an hour until he looked at me with that “Get Lost” glare, so I did.

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