Female or Male? If you are allergic to Aspen Poplar, you will want to know. It is the male tree that spreads the pollen (what brings on allergy season for many). The female receives the pollen that is blown in the wind and produces the seeds. Ruffed Grouse eat the catkins of poplar trees, it is one of their winter staples. We were lucky to see one feeding on a tree this past weekend. Yes, it always goes back to birds! Ruffed Grouse males "drum" while standing on a log, and as you travel on the forest paths in the spring (and summer, fall), you will hear this drumming.

You can watch a male drumming here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVfiIp3QGs4

For more information on Ruffed Grouse, go here: http://www.hww.ca/en/wildlife/birds/ruffed-grouse.html

For more information about Aspen Poplar trees go here: http://plantwatch.naturealberta.ca/choose-your-plants/aspen-poplar/

Ruffed Grouse feasting on the catkins of the poplar tree.

Ruffed Grouse perched waiting for us to leave so he/she can go back to feasting!