Counting Grouse

[Ned]

Been out counting Grouse covey's + couple of Capercaillie.
Photo's not great as had to scan them,atb ned.

[Ned]

And more

[Kentish Falconry]

Nice one Ned what were the numbers like? Is it a good year or have the Grouse suffered the same as most other species of bird this year?
Terry

[T Jack]

very nice pics ned, hows the count?

[Ned]

some more

[Ned]

Nice one Ned what were the numbers like? Is it a good year or have the Grouse suffered the same as most other species of bird this year?
Terry

Hi Tel , T Jack
covey's of young to begin with were good found plenty of nests,good clutches.
But as the young appeared so did the weather,was out putting grit down for the grouse in an area we knew held 4 good covey's,found one.
There's a study going on the estate by a university concerning ticks.
there is no sheep grazing on estate,so they are looking at host's for the tick,ranging from Red deer and blue hare.
will keep you posted,atb ned.

[T Jack]

a few years ago i had the pleasure to shoot on a remote small scottish island (thats all im giving away) this island was only about 5 miles square and every year they shoot around 30-40 brace without fail, there are sheep on it but no foxes or deer, yet its loaded with grouse?

[Ned]

a few years ago i had the pleasure to shoot on a remote small scottish island (thats all im giving away) this island was only about 5 miles square and every year they shoot around 30-40 brace without fail, there are sheep on it but no foxes or deer, yet its loaded with grouse?

Hi Will,
the keeper i stay with (Grouse keeper) is looking at the effect put down game is having also.
If it was up to him there would only be grouse + black game,hates the sight of Phesants,red legs,but the estate has other idea's.
The other bird life seems to be doing really well,Golden Plover,Ring ousel,Ptarmigan,Dotteril,Eagle's (two pair):lol:,atb ned.

[T Jack]

Hi Will,
the keeper i stay with (Grouse keeper) is looking at the effect put down game is having also.
If it was up to him there would only be grouse + black game,hates the sight of Phesants,red legs,but the estate has other idea's.
The other bird life seems to be doing really well,Golden Plover,Ring ousel,Ptarmigan,Dotteril,Eagle's (two pair):lol:,atb ned.


Hi ned, just to add there is no other gamebirds on the island, poss snipe but no put down birds.

there only predator is a type of gull, that attacks the other smaller gulls and also the young grouse, the name escapes me, i do know there local names "black allies" but thats not much use :rolleyes:

[Ned]

Hi ned, just to add there is no other gamebirds on the island, poss snipe but no put down birds.

there only predator is a type of gull, that attacks the other smaller gulls and also the young grouse, the name escapes me, i do know there local names "black allies" but thats not much use :rolleyes:

Great blacked back gulls,maybe.atb ned.
ps Skua's also.

[T Jack]

Great blacked back gulls,maybe.atb ned.
ps Skua's also.

just googled it and i beleive they are Skuas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skua

i have seen these attack and kill lager gulls :box:

[Jan1]

Hi ned, just to add there is no other gamebirds on the island, poss snipe but no put down birds.

there only predator is a type of gull, that attacks the other smaller gulls and also the young grouse, the name escapes me, i do know there local names "black allies" but thats not much use :rolleyes:

Don't you get the Great Skua over there? They attack sea birds like Guillemots & I once saw one pull down an Oyster Catcher. We call them Bonxies.

atb Jan

[T Jack]

Don't you get the Great Skua over there? They attack sea birds like Guillemots & I once saw one pull down an Oyster Catcher. We call them Bonxies.

atb Jan


yes they are the same birds :supz:

[LeighJauncey]

i have seen these attack and kill lager gulls :box:

Presumably easier to catch when they're drunk!

[T Jack]

Presumably easier to catch when they're drunk!


im not so sure about that, once the beer is in there pretty wild! :lol::lol::lol: