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DH and I have spent the last two days framing up a greenhouse. The thing is 12x12 with a 13 foot peak on the roof. The inside "floor" is gravel. This morning, we look out the window at the greenhouse and there is a Male Spruce Hen in there picking gravel. It is fun to watch them. I also found a spruce hen feather on a dirt pile (dirt that I removed from the greenhouse site) that the spruce hen has been taking dust baths in. All of these new benefits for the wildlife and I thought I was just working this hard to provide myself with summer rippend tomatoes.

Rose

How nice that your efforts have been helpful to the wildlife. I can't say that I can picture a Spruce Hen so I guess I'll have to do a little research. I do think I remember reading, though, that there are not many birds that take dust baths. Anyone know anything about that?

I haven't found a picture, yet, but I did find a Spruce Hen connection as well as some additional information about the Spruce Hen or Grouse.

The first link is from the 22nd annual Creative Writing Contest sponsored by the U of Alaska, Anchorage and the Anchorage Daily News. Madison Moss came in second in the nonfiction category for grades 4-6.

Leequi

Leequi, Here is a link to a couple of photos. Not great photos, but gives you an idea of the Spruce Hen. They are called Spruce Chicken by many Alaskans. When I was growing up here, we called them Spruce Hen. Just depends on what you are used to.

Rose

http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i2980id.html

re: dust baths. The sparrows that live at my feeders and birdbath will often roll around in the dust that collects at the end of the driveway. Probably other birds, too.

Thanks, Rose. The male is a handsome bird, with that sexy red comb over his eye and the white barring on his black breast!

Leequi