Ruffed grouse visits feeders

Unusual visitor -- at Spiritwood's bird feeders!

Ruffed grouse are relatively common here at home, but usually we see them feeding on last summer’s red sumach seed clusters, in the trees. This year, we have a pair of ruffed grouse who are enjoying sharing the black sunflower seeds which fall from the feeding stations.

Here is a grouse dining at the base of the apple tree, grabbing what it can from hungry blue jays.

(Taken through my kitchen window...)