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. 

I’m lucky to live fairly close to Calke Park and Abbey, in south Derbyshire, which is owned by the National Trust. It has one of the best bird feeding stations in my area and is often a good place to see Brambling in early spring. The males at this time of year look stunning as they begin to moult into their full breeding plumage.

On this occasion, in early April, my timing was right as there were small numbers at the feeders, including several males. Also an assortment of other woodland birds including, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stock Dove, Greenfinch and Goldfinch.