Igniting Passion for Nature through Film

Ruffed Grouse

USA, 2017, 9 mins.
Directed by Tracy Graziano and Hal Korber

Between 2001-2005 the state bird of Pennsylvania, the Ruffed Grouse, suffered a 63% decline due to West Nile Virus. Biologists with the Pennsylvania Game Commission created a network to collect, quarantine and test eggs. Hundreds of hunters across the state were engaged to send in blood samples when they harvested a grouse. Lab findings were then incorporated into habitat management programs.