As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Friday 14 March 2014

How to tell the four species of UK grouse

If you're planning a trip to Scotland soon and want to be able to tell the four UK species of grouse apart, you can get good guidance from the British Trust for Ornithology's latest bird ID workshop video, see below.
Now is the time of year for the black grouse to display at communal gatherings on traditional sites called leks.  The males demonstrate their dominence for the benefit of rival males, with extravagant displays of wings and tails and their distinctive calls, while the females eye up the assembled crew to select a suitable mate.
Red grouse and ptarmigan will also be nesting in the heather moorland, while the large but secretive and elusive capercaillies will be fighting for territory in the Scots pine woods.
For other bird ID workshops go to www.bto.org/about-birds/bird-id 




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