It is always good to imagine what a grouse might be thinking…for instance, why, when they are trying to hide from you do they make noises and movements. No wonder they are called fool hens. Happy Saturday Anneli. Allan
Yes, I agree. I just read that Franklins are a sub-species of Spruce grouse. I remember using all three names interchangeably (Spruce, Franklin, and fool hen), probably incorrectly, but the differences are very slight. Blue grouse on the other hand, are quite different from the others. And then we have ruffed grouse, and what are the prairie chickens (oh, they’re sharp-tailed, I think). Lots of varieties.
I recall the other name for the ruffed grouse is drummer partridge for the sound of their wing flaps on their chest to attract a mate. A really odd sound when you first hear it. Birds are amazing Anneli.
May 26, 2025 at 12:18 am
A lovely photo and a sweet poem. I hope he finds a mate.
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May 26, 2025 at 1:53 pm
Thanks, Lynette. I think he was lost. He obviously went for a place with trees, but then what?!
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May 26, 2025 at 7:02 pm
Aww, poor guy.
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May 26, 2025 at 7:19 am
What a handsome guy!
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May 26, 2025 at 1:54 pm
He was right by our house! Way out of his natural territory, but we’ve had this happen before with odd birds.
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May 26, 2025 at 8:22 am
Grouse are such handsome birds, we had some on the Charlottes. I like the picture of this Grouse and also the nice poem.
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May 26, 2025 at 1:56 pm
Thanks, Ursula. I was really surprised to see this one. I think the snow up in the hills drove him to a lower elevation.
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May 26, 2025 at 9:38 am
Grumbly grouse gobbles goodies.
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May 26, 2025 at 1:52 pm
You’ve got me laughing out loud again, Brad. What fun!
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May 27, 2025 at 7:09 am
Thanks! 😀
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May 26, 2025 at 4:15 pm
Sweet poem and bird to match.
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May 26, 2025 at 4:19 pm
Thanks, Belinda.
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May 26, 2025 at 5:39 pm
Wonderful poem & bird!
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May 26, 2025 at 6:09 pm
Thanks, Cindy. It was a treat to have this guy visit.
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May 26, 2025 at 6:03 pm
What a magnificent bird! And, your poem is perfect.
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May 26, 2025 at 6:08 pm
Thanks, Jennie. He was an unusual bird here. Blue grouse are usually farther up in the hills.
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May 27, 2025 at 4:13 am
😀
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May 27, 2025 at 4:57 pm
Anneli, you have such an amusing imagination. I love your poem – and your photography. 🙏
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May 27, 2025 at 9:46 pm
Thank you for that kind comment, Carol.
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September 5, 2026 at 9:58 am
It is always good to imagine what a grouse might be thinking…for instance, why, when they are trying to hide from you do they make noises and movements. No wonder they are called fool hens. Happy Saturday Anneli. Allan
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September 5, 2026 at 12:52 pm
I think it’s the Franklin grouse that is also called a fool hen, but this blue grouse would also qualify for the name.
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September 5, 2026 at 1:24 pm
You are right, but Google says that the spruce Grouse is the fool hen. They all appear slightly dazed and confused.
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September 5, 2026 at 2:18 pm
Yes, I agree. I just read that Franklins are a sub-species of Spruce grouse. I remember using all three names interchangeably (Spruce, Franklin, and fool hen), probably incorrectly, but the differences are very slight. Blue grouse on the other hand, are quite different from the others. And then we have ruffed grouse, and what are the prairie chickens (oh, they’re sharp-tailed, I think). Lots of varieties.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 5, 2026 at 2:52 pm
I recall the other name for the ruffed grouse is drummer partridge for the sound of their wing flaps on their chest to attract a mate. A really odd sound when you first hear it. Birds are amazing Anneli.
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September 5, 2026 at 3:21 pm
I hadn’t heard that before. Learning something new every day.
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