Walter The Friendly Grouse Becomes Backyard Companion In this recent photo by Mary Beth Westward, a wild grouse, who is called "Walter" by their family, sits perched on the shoulder of Todd Westward, Mary Beth's husband, outside their New London, N.H. home. The bird started hanging out in the family's backyard last month and has since made itself a friendly fowl fixture in their yard. Mary Beth Westward / Associated Press By Associated Press NEW LONDON, N.H. (AP) — Some people are greeted by the family dog. For Todd Westward, it’s a ruffed grouse. The bird started hanging out in the New London, New Hampshire, backyard last month with Westward while his family was away on a trip, his wife, Mary Beth Westward, posted in Facebook. Since then, the bird, named Walter, has made himself a fixture in the yard.