Bill Hartline and Mister Grouse. “He can be a pain, too,” Mr. Hartline said. Bill Hartline
Apart from bird-feeders, habituating wild animals among humans is troublesome. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology promotes birdfeeders so we trust that there is science supporting the practice. The science behind this grouse’s behavior represents another good exception:
Why Mister Grouse Is the Friendliest Bird in the Forest
Ruffed grouse are elusive and stealthy, but scientists are seeking a genetic explanation for why some of the birds become best buddies with people.
Mister Grouse helping with chores around the property. Bill Hartline
When Bill Hartline bought 50 acres of forested land outside Muncy, Pa., he was looking for a bit of solitude and a place to eventually build a new home in retirement. But during a camping trip there in early 2020, he discovered the wooded plot wasn’t as lonely as he thought. That evening, a ruffed grouse — a crow-size bird with a tiny mohawk and mottled feathers — appeared at his feet.
“I crouched down and said, ‘Hello.’ He cooed back and started following me around,” Mr. Hartline, 66, said. “Three years later, he’s still following me around.” Continue reading
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