We got a prompt response on our bird identity question.  Steve Allen wrote: 

Jane,Your "blog bird" is definitely a ruffed grouse, or partridge.  the crest is the dead giveaway - no chicken-like bird, or especially a hawk, has a crest like that.  A bob white would be half that size, and the uncommon spruce grouse lacks the crest.  Also way too sturdy to be a hawk.

The coloring sure looks the same - I was just stumped by the puffed-up size of the bird.  I'm happy to have Steve's take on it, and expect we'll hear some drumming in the woods presently.  Interesting birds.


The ice is completely gone from the first two ponds except for some protected coves; the big pond is getting very dark.  When we came by at about 11:30, the flag was still upright, but I just looked at the web came and it has tipped over - looks like the clock could stop any time.

To see the web cam pictures, log onto our website, www.joespondvermont.com using Internet Explorer as your browser.  You'll find instructions on home page on how to get to the web cam.