June 18, 2014 Roan Mountain, Carter County Ron Hoff recently posted a lovely Ruffed Grouse photo and recounted his experience with unusually long looks at a female. Since our family was soon to be taking a trip into the mountains, we dared not even hope for such a wonderful sighting but were hoping even for a mere glimpse at this species. But shockingly, we had a similar situation last week at Roan Mountain, on the road up to Carver's Gap. We had been keeping our eyes open for a Ruffed Grouse to cross the road on each excursion up or down the mountain during our trip. Of course every fluttering motion on the roadside or every vaguely bird-shaped log lying along the guard rail made us look twice! But then on one of the last curves before coming into Carver's Gap, a female grouse crossed the road, moving very slowly and then finally standing quite still in the grass at the road's edge. We came to a stop and I took as many photos as I could from the passenger side, leaning over my husband. After several moments, a young grouse flew across the road in a blur and disappeared into the brush behind the female. She then turned and made her way up a well-beaten but narrow trail through the brush. We were all thrilled and excited at our long look at this species! It was more than we could have hoped for or expected. This was a life bird for us all. We also enjoyed great looks at Common Ravens during our stay. We heard these many times and saw them a few times, including one wonderful extended look DOWN onto and then at eye level of three soaring birds from the overlook at the end of the Roan High Bluff trail. We also had a good view from Roan Mountain State park playground area as five ravens flew over and were mobbed by a single brazen American Crow. We also heard a Saw-whet Owl along the road up to the Rhododendron Gardens on what I assume was the North Carolina side. We would have stayed longer to listen for more owls but the gate to that area closes at 10 pm. Of course there were the expected small birds which can be found in the area, but it is always interesting to see Dark-eyed Juncos in breeding mode, feeding fledglings! Shawna Ellis Paris, Henry County
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