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In the last few days we have had two ruffed grouse that have been feeding on mountain ash berries in our front yard.

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Right at sunrise they come out of the birch trees behind our house and walk over the deep snow drifts to the mountain ash.

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They only eat about a half dozen berries each morning so they must just be stopping by for dessert after their breakfast of birch buds.

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They only weight a little over a pound but when they walk out on the ends of the small branches to reach the berries it is comical watching them swing back and forth.

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They need good agility when trying to reach that last berry.

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This is a good year for ruffed grouse as the snow is three feet deep.

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Grouse will bury themselves in soft snow where they can escape the cold to roost. This can lead to surprising encounters if you happen to walk by. I once was snowshoeing when one erupted from beneath the snow right next to my foot. That will get your attention.

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