Who knows their birds of prey ?

[Moody Blue]

Was raking up leaves in the backyard tonight when I heard a loud crash. Looked over towards the house to see something falling to the yard about 50ft from me. First thought was that one of the neighborhood kids had thrown a football at the house but this is what I found laying on the ground.

Turns out it broke it neck and was very much dead. A beautiful bird and am curious to know what it is. It is about 14" long overall and weighs about 3-4 Ib I would guess. Hopefully an iBoats member can help me out.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

The tail looks a liitle short, but I was thinking a hawk, more specifically a Northern Goshawk. That's my guess.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

Looks like a Grouse to me, don't have the curved beak of a bird of prey...

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

Looks like a Ruffed Grouse. Common at my Quebec cottage.

 

[JB]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

Agree. Ruffed Grouse. Not uncommon to crash into buildings, especially windows, this time of year. Bobwhites do the same down south.

Why? Dangfino.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

It ate some berries that were fermenting and was FUI from them. .

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

Yep that's no doubt a Grouse, the center picture is most convincing.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

Very tasty, I might add.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

Very tasty, I might add.

big +1

 

[bitterboater]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

MMMM, tastes like chicken. Fry it in bacon grease, with some onions and peppers, season to taste and enjoy.

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

Agree. Ruffed Grouse. Not uncommon to crash into buildings, especially windows, this time of year. Bobwhites do the same down south.

Why? Dangfino.

I think they see the reflection of clear sailing in the window and try to fly right on through. We get that here with lots a different birds, including once a hummer. My Grandma had a pheasant fly through her window and land dead right in her lap. (I was pretty young, so I can't swear to the veracity)

btw, I also agree with the Grouse ID.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

Very tasty, I might add.

MMMM, tastes like chicken. Fry it in bacon grease, with some onions and peppers, season to taste and enjoy.

But.........hurry before it spoils.

 

[sasto]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

That grouse was probably drunker than a skunk. Thats why skunks don't fly, although they can.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

It ate some berries that were fermenting and was FUI from them. .

X2 I agree that Partridge/Ruffed Grouse WILL eat fermented berries(rasberries, strawberries etc.) to the point of intoxication.

We have tons of them on our property up north and I used to wonder why they only fly away sometimes when flushed.

My dad told me that they only fly when they are sober

They are tasty...and good sport with a .410 for a young small game hunter

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

Maybe a hawk knocked it out of the sky!

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

TV trivia hijack!...

"Look at the grouse!"

Who sed it?

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

TV trivia hijack!...

"Look at the grouse!"

Who sed it?

Curly

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

Bingo!

 

[angus63]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

They gave my neck whiplash with the noise they make when I'm deer hunting at sunrise. I watched a coyote stalk, chase, jump, and grab one in the air years back.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Who knows their birds of prey ?

Thanks for all the input. The "bird of prey" turned out not to be one after all.

Unfortunately it seems I've missed an opportunity to taste grouse. I have not got a clue how to go about preparing a bird.