“By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth. . . . All things were created by Him, and for Him.”
Colossians 1:1616For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16)
The grouse is mainly a North American bird, although there are many of them in Europe and Asia also. For the most part they are forest birds, but some prefer the open plains and sagebrush country. In the United States and Canada there are ten species which include the prairie, blue, sage, sharp-tailed, Canadian spruce and ruffed, which we will talk about in our next issue.
While there is quite a difference in sizes, they are all similar in appearance, and most of them build well-hidden nests on the ground, in low bushes or concealed places under logs. Their food is also much the same, including seeds, berries, insects and land snails in summer. In winter they live on leaves, catkins and buds.
Camera-carrying hikers or hunters discover that the grouse is hard to find. When the bird is aware of a person approaching, it immediately dashes behind a tree or into the brush where it is well hidden with the color of its feathers blending so well with the ground or brush. Sometimes if a grouse is aware of a person approaching too close, it will fly from the ground with such a rush that a hunter is usually too startled to take a shot. Although unable to fly any great distance in this rushed flight, a grouse will land where it is well hidden, and the hiker or hunter doesn’t have a chance of seeing it a second time.
When a fox or coyote approaches, a mother grouse will signal her brood of 10 to 15 chicks with a sharp call to scatter to safe hiding places and lie perfectly still. Then she attracts the animal’s attention to herself by flying up to a tree branch where she waits out of reach until it gives up and leaves the area. Only then will the mother hen drop to the ground and call her little ones out of hiding.
Although they are shy and clever birds, the males all follow amazing patterns of “drumming,” strutting and dancing when trying to attract a mate. This will be described in detail in a following issue.
The grouse, so well equipped for its life in the wild, is another example of the care our Creator took in providing for the needs of each creature. But His greatest care and love is shown to people. He has written to each person who will listen: “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:33The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3)). Have you accepted that love by receiving Him as your Saviour?
(to be continued)
ML-09/05/1999