Ruffed Grouse, Sharptailed Grouse and Woodcock

 Ruffed grouse live in 34 of the 49 continental states and in all Canadian provinces. Michigan is an important portion of the grouse range. Often thought of as a bird of the deep forest, grouse actually thrive best in young, aspen forests and brushlands. When aspen is not available, oak, lowland brush, and dense stands of trees are optional habitats. Grouse are a welcome sight at bird feeders in neighborhoods where natural habitat is available. Despite human encroachment, grouse are able to survive.

Additional information can be found on the Ruffed Grouse Society website.

 Mention grouse to most Michiganders and they immediately assume you're talking about ruffed grouse, game birds that thrive in early successional forests - think aspen - and provide much of the romance in upland bird-hunting lore. 

More about Sharp-tailed Grouse can be found at the Michigan Sharp-tailed Grouse Society.  Here is a link to their Spring  Newsletter.

 Michigan produces more woodcock than any other state. Hunters kill more woodcock in Michigan than in any other state. More woodcock are banded in Michigan than in any other state. Most closely resembling Wilson's snipe in appearance, though, they are of a different genus — woodcock are rounder than snipe with shorter legs.