Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) drumming log and habitat use in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

We described 15 Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) drumming logs and adjacent habitat within Grand Teton National Park. Wyoming. Drumming logs and adjace nt habitat differed from 30 random non-drumming sites. Drumming logs had fe wer limbs (8, P = 0.003) and a smaller percentage of bark remaining (12%; P = 0.0001). These lolls were in advanced stages of decay but were still fir m to the touch. Additionally, drumming logs were found close to clearings b ut in areas with increased amounts of undergrowth and mature bees. Adjacent habitat analysis (0.04-ha circular plot centered on logs) indicated drummi ng locations had significantly greater average canopy height, more vegetati ve cover consisting of conifer and total canopy cover, and more vertical fo liage between 0.3 m and 3.0 m in height. Adjacent habitat was in advanced s tages of maturity as indicated by significant numbers of both lace-diameter logs and large-diameter lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and quarking aspen (Populus tremuloides) snags. Tree species dominating the canopy and subcan opy were large-diameter Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), lodgepole pin e, and quaking aspen. Subalpine fir ((Abies lasiocarpa) and quaking aspen s aplings were more numerous at used sites. Ruffed Grouse drummed in conifero us areas within close proximity of quaking aspen.