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, 
