[TN-Bird] Inside Barn
- From: "THCumbie" <thcumbie@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 17:28:58 -0500
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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