These little guys can catch you off guard and give you a start for sure. It’s a combination of how close you get to them before they bolt and the furious wing flapping and weird noise they make. It’s always funny when your heart calms down and you realize you just got freaked out by a grouse.

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture.... More by Francis Xavier