No not me, the bird although we do have some things in common. For starters we both live in the northern woods and don’t know enough to migrate to warmer climates in the winter. We both use ’snowshoes’ in the winter. I have to make or buy mine but the Ruffled Grouse grow their own. Ruffled Grouse will ‘dive’ under the snow to conserve body heat at night. I try to bury my house in snow to do the same. We both can give you a startle as we bolt away from your presence when you unexpectedly come across us in the forest. As adults we eat more plants than insects. Only our young prefer bugs over greens. Male grouse are only interested in mating. After that we figure it’s the females job to raise the offspring.

Bonasa umbellus

Ruffled Grouse are chicken like birds and as such they have a natural tendency to cross the road.

I disrupted this one’s attempt and was shown its tail feathers.

In many areas these birds are called Partridge. I used to like the name until my kids watched the family on TV. Now the name sends shivers down my back.

My wife and kids have called me a grouse at times but I’m certain my disposition is far different than the bird’s. At least the grand kids get it right. They call me grump-pa.

What are those mystery boxes hanging in the trees?

A mystery box hanging from a tree along the Russel Turnpike. Yep you got that right – A Dirt Turnpike. At least there are no toll booths on it

For a while people were wondering but news reports clued us in that they were survey traps for the Emerald Ash Borer. The USDA is keeping an eye out for these Ash tree killing beetles in the north country. None have been reported in the area yet but like many invasive species it’s only a matter of time before they arrive.

The traps are basically large ‘fly paper’ contraptions.

Getting a closer look you can see most of the victims are flies. Sadly a lone butterfly became stuck on this trap.

I’m glad I stopped to photograph this trap. Opening the photos on the computer let me read the ‘fine print’ that was on the bottom of the trap. Here’s the link the tag provides so you can get more info if interested. USDA site on the Emerald Ash Borer

I’m happy I can’t provide a photo of the beetle myself.
You’ll just have to use the link if you want to see what they look like.

I stopped again in Pierrpont to see the ‘wildlife’.

And another sudden stop for the Turkey Crossing.

There were actually 2 hens with chicks but they didn’t stand still long enough to photograph.

The chicks had grown to a fairly large size and while not quite as cautions as the adults they still didn’t like my hungry look.

When I tried to get closer I was surprised to learn these chicks were able to fly and that ended my roadside distractions of the day.

Rabbit Freeze Frame
Fight or Flight? Nope, not when to comes to these long eared, flat footed, fur bearing varmints. They just freeze. That survival reflex must work for them or there wouldn’t be any left to do it.

Tail Feathers
The Canadian Goose family has the right idea – leave before the intruder starts trouble.

A Holesome Abode
I shudda married a toad. She wudda been happy living in the old hole instead of a new house.

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I’m getting cozy with the Toad.