Date: 8/14/25 5:19 pm From: '<cga......>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Grouse ID help needed (pic)
Today I hiked North and South Hancock.
Golden crowned kinglets were heard throughout the hike. At 3700 feet boreal chickadee numbers were high. Not sure on exact count but they were buzzing all around, mixed in with the kinglets. On the summit of North Hancock 3 canada jays came out to say hi. And on the way down off of North Hancock, a young grouse was found sitting in the trail. It looked healthy but let me get quite close. I took the attached pic with my cell phone.
The plumage is not typical of spruce or ruffed grouse in my opinion. If it's a spruce grouse the rufous color is throwing me off. Really wondering what others think.