A Very Strange Bantam

I was on the phone with one of my customers when I glanced out of the window and saw some movement on the deck. Something rather large and lovely was hopping about out there. I stood up for a better look and was nearly positive one of the bantams from my neighbour's farm had escaped. I quickly excused myself from the call and alerted my husband that we had a guest.

By the time I made it out the back door, the bird had fled. She hopped down onto one of the lower levels of the deck and into a hedgerow. I followed her as best I could, but she eventually ended up under the deck. She was very stressed and frightened, so I thought it best to leave her alone.

She certainly didn't behave like a domestic bird, and once I was close enough to get a good look, I didn't think she really resembled a bantam. Because she's a grouse! A black grouse, to be exact.



Black grouse are a threatened species, but despite this are hunted. I'm not sure if it's grouse season or not, but needless to say, this one won't end up on the dinner table if I can help it. I've put some food out, and I hope she'll return. She appeared to have an injured wing and I'd like to get her some help.