Algonquin Part II: Rainy Day at the Visitor Center

The next morning was gray and drizzly. Once again I woke up early to the songs of the Hermit Thrush and Winter Wren, and walked over to my dad’s campsite to see if anyone else was up. On the way I heard a soft, strange clucking issuing from the woods next to the road, and when I peered into the undergrowth I found a Ruffed Grouse staring back at me! She was slowly walking along, sampling different leaves, and talking quietly to herself. When she saw me she froze, ceased her clucking, and stared back at me. Then she slowly sidled through the bush, eventually melting into the forest. I was so thrilled with that encounter that I kept hoping someone would come along to share it with me, but no one did.