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Commonly seen (and heard) throughout the Northwoods,
Pileated Woodpeckers are the largest members of the woodpecker family and are impressive birds. Their loud pecking
noise can often be heard echoeing through the woods, and signs of their presence can be seen in the large rectangular holes
they create in standing dead trees.
True to the actual size of these crow-sized birds, this carving
measures approximately 17" from head to tail. It was carved from birch, and painted with artist oils. This
one-of-a-kind carving was a special request by a customer who installed the woodpecker on a natural looking, handmade stairway
railing.
Ruffed
grouse are often seen walking slowly through the underbrush. The coloring of this chicken-like bird, blends
in well with its surroundings, making it virtually invisible. When startled, the ruffed grouse explodes
from the forest floor in a flurry, often to land nearby and again disappear into the background. The male of the
species drums its wings to produce a series of deep thumping sounds that increase in tempo. An interesting fact about the Ruffed Grouse is that its toes grow
projections off their sides in winter, making them look like combs, which are believed to act like snowshoes to help the grouse
walk across the snow. When snow covers the ground, the Ruffed Grouse may dive into soft snow to spend
the night, with falling snow hiding the evidence of its entry. What a surprise that would be to have a Ruffed Grouse bursting
at one's feet from the snow.
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