These periodic declines appear to be the result of a combination of factors. Predators often move south from Canada in response to prey shortages north of the border. Unfavorable weather takes its toll on some birds. Researchers even speculate that grouse's most important winter food source, aspen trees, turn against them by making their buds less edible when populations peak. Ruffed grouse thrive in aspen forests, and need small blocks of different age classes of trees to meet their requirements.
Older aspen provides winter food, male aspen flower buds.
Hens also nest in mature stands where they can see predators coming. Thick young aspen stands provide cover for drumming males and for females with broods of young. So, take a walk down a forest trail at sunrise or sunset this week and listen for one of the most exciting indicators of spring the drummer in the woods. Let us know with this form.