154 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING 



stretched upward and may be so closely approached that 

 one may almost take them in the hand. 



By the middle of August the young are almost fully 

 grown, and as cool weather approaches they begin to 

 separate, no longer keeping in a close flock, but wan- 

 dering off by twos, threes and fours. As the weather 

 grows colder they become still more solitary in their 

 ways, although up to midwinter two or three may 

 often be found together. 



This has been my experience; but other observers, 

 whose opinions are entitled to the greatest respect, be- 

 lieve that the broods keep together until midwinter, 

 unless broken up and scattered by the gunners. But 

 if this is true, how do the birds get together after the 

 "crazy season"? 



Dr. A. K. Fisher expresses the opinion that com- 

 paratively few grouse become "crazy" birds. He is 

 inclined to believe that the "crazy" birds are lost birds 

 i.e., individuals that for some cause or other have 

 been driven from their homes, and do not know how 

 to return. 



It is during late September and October that the 

 grouse for a short time wander about in a most eccen- 

 tric manner and indulge in such unusual performances 

 that this is sometimes called their "crazy season." 

 Having separated, they seem to be searching for new 

 homes or perhaps for winter quarters, and wander 

 about in seemingly aimless fashion, so that they are 

 often found in most unusual places. Such are vacant 

 buildings, village streets, the lawn of a country place, 



