On the morning of Oct. 29, I was up early (like most birders)and was
working on the computer. As the sun was rising, I saw the silhouette of
a rather large bird on the top of a rather small maple tree right
outside my window. So as not to disturb the bird with my moving shadow,
I crept along the floor for a considerable distance, shutting off
lights, trying to stay below the windows and trying to find my
binoculaurs (I hoped that no one else would see me and wonder what I was
doing!) The bird was a Ruffed Grouse, pecking along the branches,
either for seed or insects, I imagine. He was aware of my presence after
awhile and started to act "nervous" . I noticed another grouse on the
railing of the deck, about 10 ft. away from the first bird. Shortly,
both flew to the cover of the woods, but I had a good look and a good
birding moment that morning. They may have been after the sunflower
seeds on the deck feeder. The usually stay in the woods near the house
Sometimes I flush them when I walk out that way and I often hear
their drumming as well.
Patti Reum
Hightown,VA
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