Ruffed Grouse
I have always had a special place in my heart for Ruffed Grouse. I am from Pennsylvania and that is our state bird – and I learned that in fourth grade from my most favorite teacher, Miss Clouser. There was something about the bird that fascinated me even then, and in part, I think it was the name – Ruffed Grouse. At first I thought it was Rough Grouse and wondered if the bird was a tough customer. Turns out this would not have been a bad name for it.
The ‘ruff’ in Ruffed Grouse comes from how this birds holds its feathers at its neck during courtship and when defending territory. The male will fluff these feathers out so his neck looks big and muscular – giving this bird a hulking, menacing image. All the better to win over a female or two – called hens – and to keep a few choice acres for mating and raising families. And these feathers must have reminded whoever named this bird of the ruff worn around the necks of wealthy, fashionable people in the 16th century.
When the male grouse has claimed his nesting territory, he will announce his presence to everything and everyone by getting on a log or a mound of dirt, fluffing out all his neck feathers to form that ruff, raise the feathers on his head into a crest, and then start beating/flapping his wings. This sounds like drumming and can be heard by us up to about a quarter of a mile away. The drumming attracts interested hens and also any males who would like his territory. These males do challenge each other with a lot of lunging and chasing – the victorious male claims the territory and mates with the hens who are there. A perfect example of the adage “To the victor belong the spoils.” which is thought to be from NY Senator William L. Marcy. He used this phrase in a speech he made to the U.S. Senate in defense of Martin Van Buren who was then Secretary of State under Pres. Andrew Jackson (1829-1831). It seems this adage is true in the world of politics and in the world of everything and everyone who battles over territory – including us.
Rick Radis* sent me this photo of the Ruffed Grouse he saw. When not standing on a log drumming – which only happens during a few weeks in early spring – these birds are secretive. Very hard to find or actually see. But the one in Rick’s photo was not hiding. Rick told me, “This particular male grouse was an oddity. During breeding/nesting season he would come out and “attack” cars and people who entered his territory. Come right up to you. Not a tame bird or an escaped pet (grouse do not do well in captivity, even when raised from an egg). This rare behavior has been documented by biologists.” So it is not just Canada Geese which can get aggressive and chase us! And notice the bird’s posture in the photo. He is not only close to Rick, but looking right up at him. That is a bold bird!
Who among us has not read A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold? And if you have not, I recommend it. A collection of beautiful essays which will put you in a peaceful, relaxed state of mind – and take you away from the troubles of our world. This book and A Silent Spring by Rachel Carson were the bibles of all of us growing up in the 1960’s and 70’s and who fell in love with nature. Aldo Leopold is credited with this wonderful quote:
“The autumn landscape in the north woods is the land, plus a red maple, plus a Ruffed Grouse. In terms of conventional physics, the grouse represents only a millionth of either the mass or the energy of an acre yet subtract the grouse and the whole thing is dead.” Aldo Leopold quote from 1953.”
The north woods. The perfect place to look for Ruffed Grouse – and where there are more Ruffed Grouse than in any other place is Minnesota. Just be alert and watchful as you are walking through the woods in early spring, looking and listening. These grouse are almost always on the ground and with their colors, blend in perfectly with their surroundings. Unless you hear one drumming and sneak up on it, my guess is you will never see one until you almost step on it and it will explode into a mass of feathers and scare the living daylights out of you! And your heart will still be pounding when it lands not far away and simply disappears. Truly a WOW! moment.
*About Rick Radis: Rick is Cleon’s cousin and is the best birder I know. And whether I am taking a walk with him or just sitting outside, he can tell me every bird within sight and sound. He retired some years ago, but before that, he worked his whole life outdoors as a freelance expert for governments and most of the wildlife organizations. He has been part of amazing projects. He is a past President of New Jersey Audubon and spent many years as an editor and contributor to their magazine. Unfortunately for us, he lives in northern New Jersey which is hardly close to us here in central Illinois.
If you are interested in reading more, here are some websites you might enjoy:
ruffedgrousesociety.org The Ruffed Grouse Society and the American Woodcock Society have joined forces.
www.aldoleopold.org Where Ethics meet earth. A quote from their homepage. I love that!
njaudubon.org New Jersey Audubon.
https://www.npg.org.uk/ The National Portrait Gallery in London.