ST. MARYS — The public is invited to participate in one of two drumming surveys for ruffed grouse to be completed from mid-April to early-May.

These surveys start before sunrise, so if you are interested, you need to rise early in the morning. Each survey route is done three times to account for variables in weather, or other disturbances to the grouse.

Grouse are known as a bellweather species of wildlife, meaning they provide an indicator of habitat conditions or diseases. Monitoring of drumming grouse can be a leading indicator of “things to come.”

The McKean County survey will start at the Clermont Park and cover mostly DCNR-BOF lands, and a small segment of private lands. The leader for this route is Chris Beaver. Contact him at cbeaver2@verizon.net if you are interested.

Tentative dates for the McKean County routes are: April 15, 16, 24 and 30. The first survey will start at the Clermont Park. You can participate in only one survey or several surveys — your choice.

The Elk County survey will start on FR 185 on the SE edge of the Allegheny National Forest at the junction with SR-948. The leader for this route is Mary Hosmer, who can be contacted at wlhab9@gmail.com. No tentative dates for the Elk County route have been set, yet, as the group is waiting to see if others can join between mid-April and early-May.

These two routes are long-term routes and help provide information on changes in grouse populations or changes in habitat. All drumming grouse survey protocols as established by the US Geological Service will be followed.

If you like listening for birds, then these early morning visits to the woods in search of the “King of the Woods” is an activity for you. We will hear many songbirds.