FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Inside Barn

["THCumbie" <thcumbie@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yesterday there were several tail feathers on the hay strewn dry earth floor of 
our barn.  Since I had walked up there to close the two wide heavy doors which 
were swinging in the wind I did not take much time to identify them.. They were 
reddish brown , Red-tailed hawk is as far as I got.

However, the neighbor whose hay was stored there came by to pick up some bales 
of hay for his cattle.  He instantly identified the feathers as Ruffed Grouse.  
I have never seen grouse in my area.  In fact, I have never seen one anywhere 
close enough to see its features..  
 
Alsop's bird book indicates the red morph Ruffed Grouse is plentiful in the 
Appalachians.  And the description of the tail feathers in his book describes 
the tail feathers I found.  "Multi-banded rusty red or gray tail with wide dark 
subterminal band and whitish tip."  The tail feathers I found also have dark 
wavy lines irregularly spaced within the reddish brown.  

I am amazed to hear what some of the locals know of birds, their habits, their 
habitat, and why they are multiplying or diminishing in numbers.  

This guy says there are fewer grouse now.  He indicated that the large flocks 
of turkeys are now foraging in habitat where the grouse once fed.  So naturally 
there is less food supply for the grouse.  Therefore, there are fewer grouse.

He also feels that the turkeys are foraging on the ginseng berries causing a 
diminishing amount of ginseng.  It seems the state officials have been blaming 
the locals for the ginseng disappearance.

I know nothing about the Ruffed Grouse and wonder when they are around and 
seeable here in the mountains?  

I have a female Purple Finch at my feeders fairly regularly!!

Tess Cumbie
Buladean, NC 





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