Capercaillie

larachmor · #1 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 01:14 PM

The peak of the annual capercaillie lek has passed, and locally at least, the figures are none too promising. I’ve had no feedback from other sites as yet - I can only hope that the reducing number of birds locally is not reflected elsewhere. There is to be a census later this year which hopefully will give a better indication of how they have fared over the last few years. The “capper” remains UK’s most endangered bird.

This shot shows the male capper in typical display ....

This shot shows a "flutter jump" which occurs during the male's display

NicolaB · #2 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 01:42 PM

Lovely photos!

Here's hoping that the decline is only on a local level

I'd still love to see one, but haven't been lucky enough yet.

Richard G. · #3 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 01:44 PM

Amazing shots Bill, thanks for posting.

Caperwatch at Loch Garten was the main reason for my visit to Cairngorm a couple of weeks ago and we were lucky enough to get a siting of a displaying male, but nothing like as good a view as this.

Outlook doesn't seem too good, be interesting to hear the result of the census though...