Easy Counting

Every Boxing Day thousands of birders all over North America and elsewhere take part in what is known as the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. A lesser known ritual, the Lappe Concession 5 Lot 18 Southeast Corner Boxing Day Bird Count is undertaken by the author annually in Gorham Township north of Thunder Bay. On December 26th, 1999 this group of Ruffed Grouse in an apple tree in front of the kitchen window made for easy counting. One walked right up to a patio door and looked inside before heading back to help the rest of the group de-bud the tree. The total "partridge" count for that day on the lot was 7.