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Black grouse and capercaillie code of conduct |
Home > Advice > Watching birds > Black grouse and capercaillie code of conduct > Disappearing grouse
Disappearing grouse
Population declines are being tackled by:
Many conservation organisations and private landowners are working hard to help these birds, through the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Shooting the capercaillie is now illegal and there is a voluntary moratorium on shooting black grouse. However, the declines continue in many areas and the black grouse and capercaillie need all the help we can give them. You can help too, when watching or photographing them. Black grouse and capercallies lek at traditional sites as part of their mating ritual, generally in the spring. The lek is essential to the birds' breeding success, but they are easily disturbed here. If this happens in the key period of April to early May, it the birds may not mate at all. Grouse can also be vulnerable when nesting, rearing young and during severe winter weather.
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Flower borders in front of RSPB The Lodge reserve, Bedfordshire - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 1999_0503_009 )
Family Birdwatching through living room window - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Nestbox on tree, RSPB Wood of Cree reserve - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2006_11968_0009 )