Saturday, May 9th
7:00 am – 10:00 am

This program is free and does not require admission.

Join local birders to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks traverse uneven terrain on forest and meadow trails and around the main house. Meet at the Welcome Center parking lot. Free.

Bird Note:  Ruffed Grouse

Have you ever been walking in the woods and heard what sounded like a tractor starting?  It is likely coming from a Ruffed Grouse ‘drumming’ to attract a mate. This sound is made when the male beats his wings against the air to create a vacuum. He usually displays his drumming prowess on a stage: a log, stone or mound of dirt roughly 10-12 inches above the ground. Grouse are crow-sized ground birds of mottled brown, white and reddish plumage. When fanned, the long tail is bordered by a black band with white fringe at the end — a distinctive feather if found alone on the ground. (Photo is used with permission by Mary Holland of Naturally Curious)

A grouse nest is a small depression in the ground lined by sticks, grasses and buds. Grouse forage on vegetation, including leaves, buds, and fruits of ferns, shrubs, and woody plants. Typically, only a small number of the 8-14 chicks will survive to adulthood. Ruffed Grouse are readily heard, but less often seen at Hildene.