Thanks everyone for the comments about the pictures (sorry I forgot pictures wouldn't work but I sent them to a few folks for expert opinions). For all the years I've seen ruffed grouse I never saw young ones long enough to notice they had such short tails. I've also never seen them act so tame; they acted more like my neighbor's guinea hens than wild birds. So this was great feedback. My first thought was ruffed grouse but then I talked myself out of it for the reasons given.. good lesson. **************************************************************** To post messages, send e-mail to: [log in to unmask] Set your e-mail application to PLAIN TEXT ONLY to post messages. To contact the list owner: [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------- Web based archives and subscription management are available at: http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/Archives/uv-birders.html ****************************************************************