Wild calendar
Kenny Taylor gives some seasonal tips for savouring Scottish wildlife and landscapes
Some signs of spring are up front, others more subtle. Pastel hues of primroses and vibrant feathers of red grouse can be a part of this time of year, when each day seems to bring changes to the local scene. Sap is rising in the birches, while brown hares are chasing in the fields. So go on out there and catch the tingle.
Strut out in the uplands
Red grouse and Scotland seem to be made for each other. The bird is hardy, thrives on heather and can thole the challenges of snowy upland winters. Come spring, when breeding begins on territories that males have defended for months, the cock birds can fairly strut their stuff, while hens keep their cool. Cock grouse often choose tussocks as stances from where they can scan their patch of heath for signs and sounds of both rival males and their own mate. With bright red wattles above the eyes and plumage that glows with tones of deepest russet, gold and black, the red grouse in sunshine looks magnificent. Take a slow drive, amble or bike ride along roads in areas with many grouse moors, such as parts of the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and the eastern Highlands, and you could enjoy some good grouse watching. The roads that run between Tomintoul and Deeside, including the A939 over the Lecht to Cockbridge and the B976 to Crathie, are a good bet.
Web tips:
www.arkive.org/red-grouse/lagopus-lagopus/ description.html
www.discoverroyaldeeside.com
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The size of the crimson wattles above the eyes of cock red grouse peaks at the time of early spring mating.
www.snh.gov.uk 5
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