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.