During mid-April I finally managed to spend a few days with Black Grouse at a Lek in the Scottish Highlands. I booked myself on a photographic workshop, organised by pro-photographer Andy Howard.
Well worth it, despite several very early morning rises. We had to be located in the hide well before daybreak. It was a fantastic experience to be just a few yards away from lekking Black Grouse, as the males strutted their stuff in front of several females. By 7am, the battles were all over for another day.
Sadly, Black Grouse is now a fast declining bird in Britain, and it is on the Red Data List of most endangered species. Many fear that it will soon be lost as a British breeding bird, along with its close relative, the Capercaillie. Conservation measures are in place to try and improve habitat for Black Grouse, and reduce threats. These measures are making some improvements, in some areas of the Scottish Highlands. The Leks are usually located at traditional sites, some can be many years old, and so if the areas are disturbed or habitat is lost, then the leks disappear, along with the birds.
During my 5 days in the Highlands of Scotland, I also spent some time with a number of special birds, including Slavonian Grebe, Red Grouse, Red Kite and of course the Mountain Hare.
