Grouse Moors

Prior to this week, the closest I’d ever got to a grouse was a bottle of Famous Grouse Whisky - though G has asked me to point out he only drinks single malts, so we don’t have this in the house!  

Sunday took us closer with us hearing the strange half-chuckle, half-crow of the grouse up near the grouse butts, but today we actually get to see the birds that produced the sounds. 

Our ‘easy’ day has a late start and basically just one destination - Roseberry Topping - though in actual fact, we’re only walking the ridge to Little Roseberry  as I’m really not up to conquering ‘Yorkshire’s Matterhorn’. The moorland walk is glorious, slightly frustrated by the high stone walls, but then we have the thrill of beautifully framed views of the distinctive hill as we pass dips and gates. 

In the skies are buzzards, kestrels and lapwings, and the curlews’ poignant cry is all around. Then there are grouse …. 

Once more, we hear the clunky chuckling, but at first can see nothing amidst the blackened heather. Then we spot a couple of red eye combs just above the vegetation - as G astutely observes, a major design flaw in a bird so prolifically hunted. From that moment, I’m  able to focus on an individual or two, beautiful creatures, if lacking in the colour of the gaudier pheasant. And then, even more exciting, a couple take off in front of me providing some in-flight shots. 

So another glorious day in beautiful Yorkshire countryside - just slightly clouded by this morning’s phone call from my gynaecologist who uncomfortably apologises for the fact that my recent biopsies did not reach the intended specialist laboratory, so I need another procedure. Friday’s return home, therefore, will be via Liverpool Women’s Hospital rather than our planned treat of tea at Betty’s in Harrogate! Unbelievable! 

Still far behind with both posting and comments, but I know you’ll understand. Thank you once again for the kind comments stars and hearts for yesterday’s Whitby monos. 

Today’s main is an inflight shot, with extras of other grouse and views of Rosebury  Topping.