Hi all,

Of our resident birds, the Ruffed Grouse is certainly among the harder species to see. They have declined significantly in most parts of the state, but still remain locally common in some areas of southern Ohio, where they favor thick brushy growth. Perhaps the best place to seek grouse is in Shawnee State Forest in Scioto County, and neighboring Adams County. Male grouse begin drumming with vigor about now, and that’s how most people locate grouse. Observing a male in action on its drumming log is nearly impossible, but if one is willing to stumble through the dense growth that grouse favor, you’ll eventually kick one out. But getting a good, prolonged view is quite a rare thing.

Thus, I thought some people might enjoy some nice photos and a fabulous video of a male Ruffed Grouse strutting its stuff, made the other day in Adams County by John Howard. Testosterone-engorged grouse do not only drum, they also strut about like a tom turkey in heat, and the display is quite spectacular. John was good enough to allow me to share the photos and video on my blog: http://jimmccormac.blogspot.com/

Jim

Jim McCormac
Columbus, Ohio
Like Nature? http://jimmccormac.blogspot.com/
Like Birds? http://www.ohiobirds.org/

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