Ruffed Grouse

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This Ruffed Grouse was poking around beside the trail on this day. It blends in well with the leaves and I didn't notice it until I heard its little chirps. It didn't seem very afraid of me, and that may account for the fact that if you come up on one and it does decide to flee, it will explode from the undergrowth right before you step on it and scare the living daylight out of you! You can sometimes hear (or feel) the incredibly low-pitched "thumping" or "drumming" sounds they make with their wings to attract a mate. To me, it sounds like a lawn motor starting up somewhere way off in the distance.

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