Black Grouse Watch

One of the most threatened game birds in Great Britain, Black Grouse still inhabit the upland moors of Glenlivet in good numbers. In the spring Black Grouse congregate at dawn at traditional sites called "leks", where they make communal displays. At a lek males display to one another, trying to establish dominance, whilst making distinctive calls which can be heard from some distance. Females are attracted to the lek and mating takes place nearby.

Leaving shortly before sunrise, we walk to a hide which has been specially built so that we can view the courtship rituals of this rare member of the grouse family.

At the Black Grouse Watch we usually see Roe Deer, Curlew, Lapwing and Oystercatcher as well as the Black Grouse.

We may also see Mountain Hare, Brown Hare, Raven, Song Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail or Red Deer as well as several other more common species.