where to see black grouse

[richardwebb]

Does anybody know the best place to be photographing Black Grouse?

I live in the cotswolds, so i think my best bet is north wales.

The RSPB have a hide in Coed Llandegla Forest where you can get within 400m of the birds.

I know that you are supposed to remain in your car, but if you get there plenty early enough and have a camouflaged hide, is there anywhere you can get closer. Ideally within 100m, i have a 100-400mm Canon L lens.

[RoyW]

Hi Richard,

This is unlikely to be what you want to hear but I would strongly advise against trying to photograph lekking Black Grouse - unless you find someone who has an established hide and is willing to let you use it. British Black Grouse are declining (with numbers in Wales especially low I believe) and any disturbance can affect breeding success. There is a 'code of conduct' for birdwatchers wanting to see Black Grouse;

Originally Posted by www.blackgrouse.info

Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct for Birdwatchers has been produced by leading birdwatching magazines and conservation organisations, with support of the Scottish Executive, so that birdwatchers can ensure that every effort is made to help black grouse. The full version of the Code also includes important information if you are planning to watch capercaillie, a woodland grouse in even more serious trouble. As birdwatchers, it is vital that we take our responsibilities seriously and take care to avoid harming these wonderful but scarce birds.

Disappearing grouse
As you will have seen elsewhere on this website, essential initiatives are tackling declines in black grouse through reductions in grazing by sheep and deer, increasing quality habitat and the removal or marking of deer fences. However, black grouse need all the help that we can give them, right now.

Black grouse 'lek' as part of their mating ritual, generally in spring. The lek is essential to the birds’ breeding success, but they are easily disturbed. If this happens in the key period during April to early May, they may not mate at all.

Top tips when watching black grouse

1. Avoid looking for black grouse after heavy snowfalls, when birds are under stress.
2. View leks from a vehicle. Black grouse pay little attention to stationary vehicles that are at least 100 metres away. Ensure that you do not block access and that your presence will not disturb nearby residents. Avoid approaching a lek on foot, which usually disturbs the birds.
3. Arrive before daybreak. A vehicle stopping once it is light can disturb the birds. Stay in your vehicle and watch quietly through binoculars and telescopes. Get the flask of coffee from the boot before your vigil! Don't start the engine until after lekking has wound down, usually about two hours after dawn. Alternatively, consider watching a lek in the evening.
4. Keep to footpaths, especially in June and July, when there may be nesting females and young birds present. Do not go looking for black grouse in heather or thick field vegetation, especially in woodland (birds may fly into deer fences, with lethal consequences, if flushed).
5. Do not bring dogs into the field when you're watching grouse.
Thank you
We hope that this code will be supported by Britain's birdwatchers. Please follow the guidelines in addition to the Birdwatchers' Code of Conduct, and always ensure that you have the landowner's permission before entering private land. We are all working to ensure that black grouse continue to inspire wonder, so we must present a responsible image to others, particularly those on whose support their future may rest. Please help this effort by being responsible and sensible when looking for these birds.

I would also like to photograph Black Grouse but the birds welfare has to come first. Best of luck with finding somewhere that is suitable without causing disturbance - and when you do be prepared for a long stint in the hide (arriving before the birds and departing after they leave!).



Roy.

[ChrisJB]

The North Pennines and parts of Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales are areas I always see them. The sites I visit are well known, but the birds are usually distant. However, one Swaledale site, you often see them right by the road in the evenings in spring. You won't be disappointed, they are wonderful birds. Get hold of the book 'Birdwatching Walks in the Yorkshire Dales' for further details. An excellent book for locating other Pennine goodies as well.

Regards, Chris

[earthdragon64]

Corrimony RSPB reserve near Cannich, Inverness-shire do minibus safaris in April and May to view Black Grouse. I think there are photography opportunities on these, but it may be further away than you want to travel.

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by earthdragon64

Corrimony RSPB reserve near Cannich, Inverness-shire do minibus safaris in April and May to view Black Grouse. I think there are photography opportunities on these, but it may be further away than you want to travel.

Excellent trip, did it last year - but the photography is distantish too. Made wose when I went by howling wind and horizontal sleet!!

[rowanalder]

I saw some lecking in wales a couple of years ago sorry I can't remember where it was. Lovely birds