Black Grouse Leks in the North of England

[Deb London]

Does anyone know if there are any Black Grouse leks in the North of England? If they are not publicized (I can't seem to find any) then please PM me. It can't really be Wales or Scotland as I need to kill two birds with one stone.

A Black Grouse lek is something I'd really love to see before I die.

Thanks.

[RoyW]

Black Grouse leks are typically not publicised because the species is in decline, and they can easily be disturbed at or near leks (potentially resulting in lowered breeding success). Unfortunately unintentional disturbance from birdwatchers may be one of the reasons for the continued decline of this species, even if it is not one of the main ones.


This is one of the species that shouldn't be openly publicised (unless you know of sites with managed viewing - preferably on nature reserves where there are staff that can control the access).

[Jonathan]

I agree with Roy, but there are a few publicised spots where you can watch leks, though views may be quite distant. Are you heading somewhere specific in the north Debs? I watched black grouse leking at the RSPB reserve at Geltsdale last spring, which is in Cumbria. There's also a well-publicised spot in North Wales, which may be closer if you're visiting the north west. I've also watched leks in Northumberland, but if you have a certain destination in mind that you're planning on visiting then it might be advisable to tell us so we can work out the easiest area to visit . . . the 'North of England' is a big place!

Cheers
Jonathan

[Deb London]

I was looking at places to stay for a family event and they tended to be near Lancaster somewhere, and I might not have the time to escape for too long.

Yes, of course, please don't give any sensitive details whatsoever. Ta.

[Jonathan]

Originally Posted by Deb London

I was looking at places to stay for a family event and they tended to be near Lancaster somewhere, and I might not have the time to escape for too long.

Yes, of course, please don't give any sensitive details whatsoever. Ta.

Geltsdale would take you just over an hour from Lancaster - rather less if you were based north of the city - it's motorway most of the way. If you're interested I'll PM you more details.

If you don't want to travel that far but still want to do a bit of birding whilst in Lancaster the fabulous Forest of Bowland is just over the M6. Hen harriers, grouse (red unfortunately!), eagle owls (if they nest again this year), goshawks, pied flycatchers, redstarts, etc., dependant on timing. Sunderland Point and Heysham Harbour are just down the road, further afield, of course, is Leighton Moss. I'm sure either myself or others on the forum can supply you with any info you need.

Cheers
Jonathan

[Deb London]

Gosh, it all sounds fantastic, never knew there was so much to see.

I'll look at places north of Lancaster. Thanks!

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Gosh, it all sounds fantastic, never knew there was so much to see.

I'll look at places north of Lancaster. Thanks!

Surely PMG's postings and photos should have given you some idea about how much can be found in Lancashire?

[Shrike]

If you don't find a lek to fit into your timescale Deb , i'd highly recommend Leighton Moss.

[Deb London]

Originally Posted by RoyW

Surely PMG's postings and photos should have given you some idea about how much can be found in Lancashire?

I thought she was always off somewhere exotic like Scotland.

Originally Posted by Shrike

If you don't find a lek to fit into your timescale Deb , i'd highly recommend Leighton Moss.

Yes Terry, I must try and visit there.

[tigertom]

Originally Posted by Shrike

If you don't find a lek to fit into your timescale Deb , i'd highly recommend Leighton Moss.

Very easy to get to from Lancaster as well, I don't no about driving but only 15 Min's or so by train to silverdale (barrow train) and only a short walk from the station to the reserve very nice place as well lots of birds to see I like the marsh tits loads of them when we were there,
MIKE