Seeing grouse more far south now

M

Mr. Bjorn

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So, driving through Elmvale the other day, just south of town (like before the Fergusonvale sign, I think) we saw one grouse flush off the side of the road, and another just sitting on the shoulder picking gravel.

I thought we weren't supposed to see these wonderful creatures until a lot further north? Wondering what people think about this and what it means in terms of weather, expanding populations, or something else. I'm not an experienced hunter by any means, so I'd love to hear from any old-timers.

(it occurs to me that I should have said "farther south" not "more far south", not that my grammar nazi wife reads this forum, lol)
 
Ruffed grouse have been in southern Ontario forever.

I hunted them at our cottage south of Barrie about 45 years ago, and my dad did before that.

What is happening, though is that southern species are spreading northward with increasingly mild winters. Opossums are a prime example, and I've seen them at the southern edge of central Ontario. Coyotes are another significant example.

Oddly, some more northern species are expanding their range southward too. We're seeing Ravens in the GTA area in recent years. I read somewhere that they used to be resident before urban and rural development changed the environment. Why they're coming back isn't clear to me, though.
 
Yes, I have been seeing a lot more ravens in and near the GTA as well. I found myself thinking "Wtf have those crows been eating? Steroids?" before I realized they were ravens. Seen opposums in Brampton, and heard coyotes/coydogs up near the Science Centre for years. Sure wish we could hunt in the GTA! lol
 
Unusual bird sightings, year by year=irruptive behavior.

Occassionally willow ptarmigan are sighted hereabouts in NE Alberta. For whatever unknown reason(s) they could 'migrate' further south in the winter time from the more northern regions.
By no means is this predicatable behavior or otherwise.
 
I have seen them around St.Davids(Niagara Falls) when I was a teen hunting there. A few years back a buddy and I were hunting cottontails around the Silverdale Gun Club area and flushed 7 grouse that morning. There are grouse in Southern Ontario, always has been but not like it is further north. Habitat is the big key.
 
I've been hunting grouse at quite a few properties between Brantford and Long Point for over 10 years. There are plenty of birds around here, enough to keep a guy and his dog busy all day. Add the numerous cottontails that share the same habitat and you're set for a fun day.

Flushed 3 today while pushing thick stuff for deer.
 
I've seen plenty of grouse over the years in Huronia. I've seen them in trees in my parent's backyard, and hunted them quite a bit in the Wye Marsh area, and around Tiny Marsh. The only thing was that they were and always have been, plenty skittish! Getting close enough for a shot has long been a challenge.
 
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