Ice Storm

We thought winter was over but this week’s ice storm changed any of those thoughts. I went to Cascade River State Park to check on the ruffed grouse. This was what the road looked like driving into the park.

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The snow and ice didn’t seem to bother Rusty though. He was busy drumming as usual.

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When he took a break from his drumming he seemed to puff up his feathers to fend off the cold.

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As we were leaving he started feeding along side the road. Head on made for a unique photo.

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Log Barn

The 24-degree morning didn’t seem to curtail the sharp-tails from dancing either. We made a trip to a friend’s farm. Charley has watched sharp-tailed grouse dance on his land for over 50 years. Which means they have been dancing in this area long before Charley’s parents built this barn.

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Sharp-tailed Grouse 001

Male sharp-tailed grouse gather on the same area every spring to dance and display for the females. It is a great outdoor adventure and a lot of fun to watch. I enjoy witnessing this spring ritual every year. The noise from their feet stomping the ground is amazing.

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Before the sun came up the males puffed up their neck sacks, stomped their feet and danced in circles.

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After sunrise the sharpies glowed in the early morning light.

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The males would fight. After facing off for several minutes they would jump and actually bite and kick.

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I was thinking you could put an eye out that way. One of the males was limping towards the end.

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