Well actually, the Ruffed Grouse did not manage to cross the road.
The grouse tried repeatedly, but it walked so slowly that during each attempt another vehicle would come along, and the grouse was forced to retreat. Finally, a big truck came by. With this, the grouse gave up and flew back over the snow bank from which it had started.
The odd thing about this is that as vehicles were infrequent, there had always been ample time for the grouse to have merely flown across the road.
Why try to walk? Who can fathom the mind of a grouse?
A Ruffed Grouse repeatedly tried to walk across the highway. It finally gave up and flew back over the snow bank.
Why did the Grouse cross the road?
Doug, questions abound.
Fine photo, Alistair. Fun write-up too! Is it possible that, instead of aiming to cross the road, the grouse simply wanted to explore the snow-bare road surface for seeds, small bits of gravel, and such? I totally enjoy your delight in educating.
Peter, certainly that is a possibility. Yet, as I review all the pictures I took of it, there are only images of it heading across and none of it bending down to sample salt or gravel on the surface. I just don’t understand the grouse’s mind.
I think he was “chicken”
Such foul remarks. Why must we ceaselessly question their – chicken, grouse – motives?
Pamella, because as chickens all, we like to grouse.
Oh Alistair, hot crossed puns.