Over the Shoulder

'I'm Sexy and I Know it,' says that over the shoulder look; a beautiful black grouse on the moor this morning in the middle of strutting his stuff at the lek. 

A red  list endangered species which in the spring gather at the traditional sites to compete for dominance to mate with the very shy and elusive females - grey hens. 

Up and on the motorway by 2:15 in the morning, in order to be at the site before first light. No getting out of the car in the gravel lay-by, not a sound and lights off so as not to disturb the birds, then as the darkness faded you could hear them calling across the moors. The males gather then with puffed chests, floor scratching, tails up, wings out and a cry run towards each other. The actual combat doesn't last long but the scenario between the rivals takes time as one walks away, you think it's all over then he decides to have another go.....again! Many photos yet to see but not had chance to look at them all.

Tricky to photograph in very low light, long distance  with black and white feathers and speed thrown into the mix. a stunningly exciting morning which also included a skylark and a pair of wheatears in the Extras which I was very chuffed to see for the first time ever.