Today was my last scheduled trip up to the North Country and Canada Jay was the sole target. I climbed up to pot hole rocks on the Caps Ridge Trail and crinkled my granola bar bag like we used to do to lure a jay in, but not today. I have a picture of me from here from about 6-8 years ago with a Canada Jay eating out of my hand. It was that easy. I thought I would then try my luck along the Link Trail. A little ways in something low crossed the trail in front of me, then started vocalizing. I ran toward it and could see a female Spruce Grouse (449) luring me away from her chicks. I gave chase up the mountain but it flushed just as I got on it. I tried again with the same result so I went back to where I first saw it and sat on the trail and waited. In 15 minutes back down the mountain came the bird I chased. But she must have detected my presence as after almost an hour she would come no closer, all the while vocalizing with various calls and clucks. Finally she gave in and crossed the trail but just out of my sight line.
I couldn’t believe my good luck. For some reason this area is not a Spruce Grouse hot spot. The last report to eBird for the Caps Ridge Trail was 4 years ago. I missed Canada Jay but I can try again for that in Colorado next month but this was my last shot for the grouse. Here is my eBird list for today:
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S58236081
In part, the jay chase was a pretext to get up north and visit Mark and Sandy Turner, masters of the snow bird lifestyle. They live in New Hampshire and spend winters in the warmer climes of Florida, Arizona, Texas, or New Mexico, where ever they want. They haven’t seen a NH winter in over 30 years. I took this candid shot without their knowledge or permission and I publish it herewith likewise. Maybe I’ll get sued, probably I won’t, but either way, meet Sandy and Mark:
They remain active birders both in New Hampshire and down south. Come November they will be packing up and heading southbound again, missing yet another New Hampshire winter. Thanks for lunch, guys!
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