Game Birds
Grouse, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail
A group of medium to large, plant eating birds. Their populations have been, and in many cases still are, greatly affected by game shooting.
Black Grouse
Black Grouse - Best to find out where there's a lek (early morning gathering place for competing males during the breeding season), in order to locate and get the best views of black grouse. Most sites are in Scotland. It means a very early start, March - May ideally. They primarily inhabit heather moorland with adjoining forest.
All photos taken at a lekking site near Wrexham. A female (bottom right) dropped in during my last visit in April. She really got the lads motivated for a good scrap.
Red Grouse - Much more common and widespread than black grouse, as many are bred for game shooting. Normally heard before seen, with their distinctive 'Go Back' sounding call. Upland heather moors are their chosen habitat. They can sometimes suddenly surprise you by popping up right by you, as you walk the moors. Females are more difficult to spot due their incredible camouflage.
Left - Top male and below a female taken in Spring in the Cairngorms. Above is a male in Autumn on the N.Yorks Moors.
Grey Partridge - These were the first three birds I'd seen in a 10+yr period, supporting the general claim that they have declined massively in recent times.
Holkham, Norfolk. December
Red-legged Partridge - an imported species which has become more widespread than our traditional Grey Partridge.
Belvide, Staffs. May
Pheasant - Widely bred for sport shooting. The male's plumage can be as impressive as any British bird, if they're lucky enough to reach maturity.
Female
Green Pheasant - An imported species widespread in Japan.
Belvide, Staffs. December
Female
Golden Pheasant - Another introduced species. This one originates from China. Only thought to be around 100 breeding pairs in the UK.
Tresco Abbey Gardens, Scilly. Sept 2021