We live not far from the Stiperstones in Shropshire and often go up there bird watching and have done very well this year although the Red Grouse has still escaped us. However last Friday we went for a walk quite late in the day and as the light was starting to fade we spotted two birds ahead of us on the track - we slowed down and crept along the grass so we wouldn't frighten them off and to our amazement another 12+ emerged from the undergrowth and all stood around as though waiting for us to move off - after a few minutes our conclusion was made they were all Red Legged Partridge - this was a first for us up here declared my husband and we talked excitedly about our 'find' on the way back to the car. Not far from the car we heard a noise and low and behold there were 30/40 R.L.P's - we couldn't stop laughing at ourselves there in front of us were cages presumably where they had been breeding the birds throughout the Summer and we handn't noticed them! Our great find was greatly diminished but we did enjoy seeing them and assume they are hoping to establish them in this area.
Hi Lucy
Just shows how easy it is to see a bird, and not know if it is a captive one or not. The amount of times I have made OTT enqueries about hybrid ducks and geese. You see them, wonder what they are, then someone dampens your spirits - yes they say it is a hybrid yet again. {thumbs down and a frown}
You just learn all about the birds social habits (other than confusing us who want to ID them)
Never mind, Red Legged Partridges are still attractive birds to look at and one to add to your lists anyday {thumbs up}
Regards
Kathy and Dave
lucybob said: We live not far from the Stiperstones in Shropshire and often go up there bird watching and have done very well this year although the Red Grouse has still escaped us. However last Friday we went for a walk quite late in the day and as the light was starting to fade we spotted two birds ahead of us on the track - we slowed down and crept along the grass so we wouldn't frighten them off and to our amazement another 12+ emerged from the undergrowth and all stood around as though waiting for us to move off - after a few minutes our conclusion was made they were all Red Legged Partridge - this was a first for us up here declared my husband and we talked excitedly about our 'find' on the way back to the car. Not far from the car we heard a noise and low and behold there were 30/40 R.L.P's - we couldn't stop laughing at ourselves there in front of us were cages presumably where they had been breeding the birds throughout the Summer and we handn't noticed them! Our great find was greatly diminished but we did enjoy seeing them and assume they are hoping to establish them in this area.
Hi Lucybob!
Went up the Stiperstones yesterday afternoon on the hunt for red grouse too! Heard plenty but they remained elusive!! Didn't even see any RLP!! Saw plenty of meadow pipits, ravens and a kestrel too.
Will be returning soon to try again with the grouse!!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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Hi MarJus - if you take the disabled route from the disabled parking area as you go through the second gate where the plantation is you will see the runs and cages well hidden but definitely there! There are usually Ravens calling in the plantation. We had some great times up there this summer but like you we have tried several different walks but still haven't managed to see the grouse - my husband has heard it up there. I'm hoping the winter might prove more favourable as everything dies down a little. If you do see them I would love to know.
Thanks Lucybob! I've always gone up the 'direct' route from the car park! Will explore the other way next time. I heard quite a few calling just the other side if the 'ridge' (the Tankerville side).
Will indeed post back if I'm lucky next time!
Haven't done the direct route for a while MarJus so next time I will make the effort. In the summer if you take the disabled route you will see Linnetts, Redpolls, Redstarts, Whitethroats and Meadowpipits all along that route and if you look down to your right as you walk away from the car park you can see the Lapwings nesting in the fields below. Also had a good show from a Red kite one evening this summer.
Wow! Really must go there more often! Will make a point of it next summer! :-) (Will carry on in the winter though as you say with less vegetation...)