Ruffed grouse?

I went for a bike ride yesterday and saw some sights in the neighborhood.

At first I thought these little ground-hugging birds were young turkeys. But 1) no “adults” around 2) not a big flock 3) a different stripe pattern in their feathers and especially 4) that little crest on top of their heads convinced me they’re not turkeys. My phone camera identifies this as a ruffed grouse. Rarely seen, but yesterday I saw them twice. The photo is very cropped, they don’t like attention!

I went to one of the abandoned houses I like to check on. I wish I was brave enough to go inside, but I’m not. I noticed this abandoned picnic table out front. Because of Grace at windthread, I had serious thoughts about how I could steal the table. It looks like it’s in pretty good shape and it would be useful in my yard. But I won’t do it. It belongs here in the ruin.

This beautiful old apple tree is in the yard there. Very few apples on it this year. I love its shape.