I was driving back to our Adirondack camp after a morning of dragonfly photography when
I encountered this Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) hidden in the tall grass at the side of our driveway.
Fortunately my camera was still on the seat beside me, so I grabbed it, leaned out of the car window...and began to shoot.
After taking a few shots I realized, "Wow! She's gonna fight me!"
And fight me off she did– bravely scowling and strutting back and forth in front of my car in typical grouse fashion.
That's when I noticed a very tiny ball of pale-colored feathers scurrying away through the grass.
The chick crossed to the opposite side of the driveway and disappeared into the brush.
Mom quickly followed after the little chick.