Last week I posted about an interesting encounter with an aggressive ruffed grouse. During that nearly hour long encounter, Bob and I got to see the bird consume grass seeds, partridge berries, and mushrooms. Watching animals eat and studying the … Continue reading →
Many bird species bathe in “dust” (sand or soil) as part of their plumage preening process. The bird prepares a new spot for dust bathing by scraping a patch of dry, fine, loose soil or sand with its feet to … Continue reading →
Most birds, the ruffed grouse among them, have a preening gland, also called the uropygial gland, on the rump at the base of the tail. It secretes a rich oil of waxes, fatty acids, fat, and water that is used … Continue reading →
The sound of a male ruffed grouse drumming may be subtle, but the accompanying display is flamboyant. The low pitched drum alerts females in the vicinity to the presence of a male, and if her interest is piqued, she may … Continue reading →
In spring, the male ruffed grouse chooses a “stage” from which he displays and “drums” to attract females. He is a great camera trap subject, because he displays repeatedly in the same place throughout the mating season. A well placed … Continue reading →
