A Ruffed Grouse has been in our yard several times in the past few weeks. On December 18, my husband watched it from the kitchen window while it was successfully eating cranberries from a nearby bush. On December 29, after some freezing rain, it flew directly to the same bush but was totally unsuccessful. The berries were encased in ice and the perch was slippery. The bird tried for about ten minutes but then gave up. I think these freezing rain conditions are really tough on birds especially when the temperatures plummet during the night and it becomes windy.
This photo shows the grouse in the cranberry bush that is encased in ice.
Enjoy this field note? Check out other field notes from Winter 2025-26!
- An Eastern Bluebird Haven by Tara Brooks
- Where Does a Bald Eagle Drink When the Ice Freezes? by Iain MacLeod
- Northern Shrike Up Close and Personal by Lori Charron
- Evening Grosbeak Bonanza by David Govatski
- Common Murre at Odiorne by Diane Karstrap
- Winter Haiku by Jim Sparrell and Katherine Towler
- Backyard Ruffed Grouse by Elaine Faletra
- Fishing Drama on the Merrimack by Jim Sparrell
Want even more? Visit our “From the Field” page for more.