SIGHTS OF THE SEASON…

Black grouse

IN THE UPLANDS OF THE PENNINES AND WALES, AS WELL AS MOST OF SCOTLAND, MALE BLACK GROUSE (Tetrao tetrix) ARE GETTING READY FOR SOME FRIENDLY RIVALRY. THE LEK, A COMPETITIVE COURTSHIP RITUAL INVOLVING A SOFT BUBBLING CALL, REACHES A CRESCENDO THIS MONTH. WAITING IN THE WINGS, FEMALES CHOOSE A MATE AND WELCOME CHICKS AT THE END OF APRIL – THE BROOD THEN REMAINS TOGETHER UNTIL THE AUTUMN, OFTEN JOINING WITH OTHER GROUSE FAMILY FLOCKS. TO FIND OUT MORE, VISIT RSPB.ORG.UK.