[CT Birds] Ruffed Grouse

[Robert J. Bitondi]

Thanks to Gene, Rob, and others on the list for their thoughts and info links on ruffed grouse in CT.  This list certainly is a wealthy store of information and experience.  

The DEP site includes the following remarks on grouse population numbers:

Ruffed grouse populations fluctuate in abundance throughout their range. These fluctuations are most noticeable in a particular area. A piece of habitat may be full of grouse one year, and virtually empty the next. Beyond the fluctuations observed in localized areas, grouse populations tend to fluctuate on a region-wide basis. An eight to ten year cycle has long been referenced in grouse population studies. But the explanation for this cycle is still unknown.


Except for noting the ways evolving and unmanaged forest habitat may impact grouse populations, DEP avoids comment (at least on the page I looked at) on the ways intensive human activities affect grouse numbers.  The above observations on population fluctuations also remind me of the woodcock discussion last year on this list.  In my own very unscientific observations of the nearby grouse here, they've been present in the exact same location for 5 years, but I have no clue as to numbers.  I do think that in comparing the part of Natchaug St Forest where they seem to be persisting and the section adjacent to my place, the former location includes many more coniferous trees.  In my neighborhood, where conifers are sparse, I've never seen or heard a grouse.

I have to think that in addition to the effects of deer herds, the explosion of wild turkey numbers everywhere in CT must also have an impact on grouse since it seems as if there is an overlap in what the two species eat.  

Thanks for all the comments.

Bob Bitondi
Pomfret Center