Visitors and locals in the Highlands are being offered the chance to see the courtship display of black grouse once again.
Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve, sited part way between Laggan and Spean Bridge, ran a similar event last year which proved so popular that this time it is planned to hold two guided black grouse watches on Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May.
The displays called ‘leks’ take place in the spring as male black grouse compete to attract females. With the striking black and white plumage of the birds, and their strange bubbling calls, the show is a special nature experience.
Lekking takes place early in the morning, hence the start time of 6am at the NNR car park.
It is 25 years since the reserve was established, and manager Rory Richardson is keen to show people what has been achieved in that time: “It is an exciting birthday for Creag Meagaidh this year as we have just completed further low level trails which are suitable for all abilities,” he confirmed. “So it is great to be able to allow more people to access the reserve and see its wildlife and we hope the black grouse will be performing on cue this year.”
The events will be guided by Scottish Natural Heritage staff and if there are sufficient bookings it is planned to run them on the Saturday and Sunday mornings. As a reward for the early start, some breakfast will be supplied after the event at the reserve’s Aberarder base. Warm clothing, waterproofs and strong footwear are required. Booking is essential so please phone Scottish Natural Heritage at Aviemore on 01479 810477.