Shirley Ellis sent in this picture of Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus. A lot of people call it a partridge. These medium-sized birds are heard more than seen when they are flushed from hiding spots in deciduous woods - their wings flapping loudly. This shot really shows the crest on its head well. According to the Sibley Field Guide to Birds of North America, the color of this specimen indicates that it is a rufous (or red-colored) specimen verses another gray type.
Below are other winter signs of Ruffed Grouse taken last winter - scat and tracks.
In mid June 2014, on a trail in the northern section of Baxter State Park, I must have gotten too close to a nest. One came flying out of the woods at a good clip right toward me. It was fairly low to the ground and my concern was for my legs getting pecked into a bloody mess. I ran and she eventually calmed down enough for me to get the last photo below.
Below are other winter signs of Ruffed Grouse taken last winter - scat and tracks.
In mid June 2014, on a trail in the northern section of Baxter State Park, I must have gotten too close to a nest. One came flying out of the woods at a good clip right toward me. It was fairly low to the ground and my concern was for my legs getting pecked into a bloody mess. I ran and she eventually calmed down enough for me to get the last photo below.
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