I had 3 exciting avian encounters today on a late-afternoon run. 
Ironically, this was one of my shortest runs of the summer and the ONLY 
one in months on which I didn't wear my eyeglasses.

As I started out, a blackbird-size passerine rocketed over the tree tops 
with a likely Cooper's Hawk in hot pursuit. After a few abrupt 
maneuvers, the bird escaped.

A half-mile later I saw a medium-large unidentified animal cross the 
road up ahead. So did my dog, who raced ahead. When I arrived at the 
crossing site, a Turkey exploded into the air amidst rather thick 
alders, narrowly escaping the dog's jaws.

As we were finishing the run, 8 Ruffed Grouse sequentially scattered 
into the air from beside the road, much to the dog's delight. This is 
the largest number of grouse we've seen together at this location.

Finally, I'll note that this dog rarely disturbs wildlife - other than 
squirrels - and is discouraged from doing so.

Doug Hardy, Norwich