Ruffed Grouse – Bonassa umbellus Large Image (2.72 Mb)
I just read over at Adirondack Lifestyle about her encounter with a Ruffed Grouse. I also had an encounter with one last Saturday, but it was far less violent. We were cleaning up around some old stone walls when “JT” heard a strange noise – sort of a thrumming. Well, about 2 feet in front of his face he spotted this nesting grouse. Normally, these birds take-off pretty quick, but this one would not move.
Birds are great…for eating! If there was such a thing as an “Adirondack Chicken”, then this is it. I haven’t had the pleasure. When it comes to appreciating birds, most would agree that Audubon is a good reference. I’ve always found his descriptions to be a wonderful read, only lacking in recipes:
The Ruffed Grouse – J. J. Audubon
More Info:
Ruffed Grouse – Cornell Lab of Ornithology
The Wood Grouse – Audubon: Early Drawings
Hunting the Adirondack Grouse – The Outing magazine 1910
Ruffed Grouse Shortage – 1918 Annual Report – New York Conservation Commission
The Adirondack Grouse – Francis Sterne Palmer
Ruffed Grouse Society – Check the Banquet schedule.
Nice picture. Usually they take off before I can get a decent picture.
Thanks, I wanted to get even closer, but didn’t want to freak the bird out.
I only got within 8 feet, low-light, plus I was all sweaty and covered with insect repellent. I’m surprised the smell didn’t drive that bird away.
Hee hee – Adirondack Chicken. I’ve thought about getting me one of those little hunting air guns for small game and birds. I think we talked about that. We’ll see. Plenty to do before I’m out hunting rabbits.