Wardens at RSPB Geltsdale are celebrating this spring as the number of lekking black grouse rises from 27 to a whopping all-time high of 50, following a successful breeding year in 2013.
Black grouse males gather at traditional open spaces to perform their flamboyant displays, called 'leks', peaking in April to May, and mainly in the early morning or at dusk. The females, known as grey hens, select a mate, and afterwards leave to rear their chicks alone.
Black grouse used to be found throughout Britain, but due to habitat loss in the lowlands they are now confined to upland areas of Wales, Scotland and northern England. Although they are an iconic upland species, black grouse can find it difficult to thrive in these areas due to poor weather, overgrazing by sheep, an increase in forestry plantations and fragmentation of suitable habitat.
Jill J