Margaret the Novice
Grouse Black female on dry stone wall Durham May 2014 (1)
We have spent the last ten days up on the Durham Moors where the weather might have been kinder – mists, rain, drizzle and the occasional dry spell but invariably a bitterly cold strong wind reducing temperatures to four degrees.
However having driven hundreds of miles we were as usual determined to make the most of our stay and this is one of the subjects we found up on the moors.
These beautiful grouse seem to have done well over the winter but individuals are now being struck by a fatal disease. We were saddened to be shown one dead male which was the subject of closer inspection by professionals. Both red and black grouse are allegedly affected.
We spotted this grey hen as we drove over the moors so stopped and clicked it from the car window, fortunately she was on my side not the drivers!!!!
Grouse Black female on dry stone wall Durham May 2014 (1)
We have spent the last ten days up on the Durham Moors where the weather might have been kinder – mists, rain, drizzle and the occasional dry spell but invariably a bitterly cold strong wind reducing temperatures to four degrees.
However having driven hundreds of miles we were as usual determined to make the most of our stay and this is one of the subjects we found up on the moors.
These beautiful grouse seem to have done well over the winter but individuals are now being struck by a fatal disease. We were saddened to be shown one dead male which was the subject of closer inspection by professionals. Both red and black grouse are allegedly affected.
We spotted this grey hen as we drove over the moors so stopped and clicked it from the car window, fortunately she was on my side not the drivers!!!!