Early Snowfall - Ruffed Grouse

The ruffed grouse is one of the best known birds of North America. It is well loved by naturalists and sportsmen. The deep drumming in the spring, the mother hen and her chicks and the whir of wings in the fall strike a responsive chord to those who enjoy the outdoors.

The male grouse is a striking character. He is built for display. The broad tail can be as straight as a stick for ease in sneaking through the thickets, but when he is in a courting or territorial mood, it can be spread in a fan, fuller than a semi-circle. Similarly, his neck ruff can lie flat and partially concealed or spread in a broad, black circle that would be the envy of an Elizabethan.

I have shown this fellow in a half display mood. Full regalia is almost never spread in winter. It is an early snowstorm in late fall. Ruffed grouse are equipped with fringes on the toes which give a modified snowshoe effect. Even so, this fellow is having a bit of difficulty wading through the freshly fallen fluffy stuff.