A Covey of Grouse

Time to find some snow. Shovel and snow socks for the tyres loaded into the car, just in case, we needn't have worried. The Hopes Estate, running into the Lammermuirs, had just the right amount of snow. And the road in had been cleared by the estate, presumably so the tweeded posh nobs with guns that we saw later could still get their Range Rovers in without having to test the off-roadness.

Climbing the hill at the back of the reservoir, there are Mountain Hares here, and there was evidence (their snowy footprints easily distinguishable from the little rabbits) but sadly none came out to play.

What were there though were loads of grouse (now out of their shooting season), and it's the first time I've seen large flocks in the air.

Mel pondering the descent in the extra.