Goofy Grouse

[ncountry]

Sometimes they do the strangest things. Today while traveling down a seasonal rd., checking out a piece of state land, this guy  lands on my tailgate. I'm driving 10-15mph and catch a glimpse of something in my rearview mirror. I look and this guy has his feet on the top of the gate and is flapping his wings like crazy trying to stay balanced. I stop and he balances out and stands long enough for a picture..

[Daveboone]

They are goofy critters, my favorite bird. Although I love to grouse hunt, the ones on my property are honored guests and left alone. I love seeing and hearing them way too much to bother.

[mowin]

Cool pic.  Had one attack my truck yrs ago. Was standing in the middle of a gravel road, and when I stopped, he strutted up to the tire and attacked.  

[turkeyfeathers]

@Lawdwaz

think he’s got a few pics to share 

[Lawdwaz]

The OP didn't ask for it but here's some more.........

[ncountry]

Now that is goofy!......

..the bird too!.

[Lawdwaz]

The grouse was attracted to the sound of a four wheeler, weed whacker, chainsaw etc.  Sadly, that is what also almost assuredly killed it.  My friend had a hired hand doing some brush cutting with a saw blade tipped weed whacker.  IIRC the bird flew right into the path of the saw and lost a leg.  Scratching the ground and hopping around was very difficult for it and probably starved to death.  I think we (my friends farm) had a four year relationship with it.  Very cool bird!

Sorry for telling the story again and showing old already seen pics.....