I was sent this BBC News link today which shows a rare UK sighting of a Bearded Vulture in the Peak District
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-53383387
It's high time grouse shooting was banned, I've signed every petition & shall continue to do so! I've never been able to comprehend the fuss over a few raptors taking a few grouse when there are vast numbers of these non-native birds bred just to be shot for fun ... doesn't sit well with me!
All hell would break loose if these gamekeepers were to shoot and kill this bird. It's not a threat to Grouse anyway because they are scavengers and eat bones. I totally agree that Grouse shooting should be banned, the trouble is that there's big money and influence behind all this so it's going to be difficult.
WendyBartter said:grouse when there are vast numbers of these non-native birds bred just to be shot for fun
Just on a point of fact, Red Grouse are a native species. At one time they were thought to be the only endemic species in the UK. I believe it has now been shown that they are a sub-species of the Willow Grouse which is widespread in Northern Europe. Nevertheless, I shall keep on endorsing petitions to stop driven Grouse shooting.
Exciting stuff, and while I know some have managed to see it, being predominantly over the Howden Moors, which, being disabled, is a no-go area for me, though there has been sightings over Ladybower, which will have parking issues (a long standing issue for years) going by the current scenario at many beauty spots.