AN event for early birds keen to witness a unique courtship ritual has been organised for rural County Durham.
Officials at the Moor House Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve are hosting a Black Grouse morning which includes a visit to a lek – or mating ground – to watch and listen as the male brids attempt to attract the grey hens.
There are large numbers of black grouse in the upper dale this year following an excellent breeding season in 2013 followed by an uneventful winter.
The event takes place on Saturday, April 12, and will be led by senior reserve manager Chris McCarty and Fran Atterton, research assistant from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Those wishing to take part are advised it is a 5am start and will conclude with breakfast and a presentation on the black grouse and work being carried out in the North Pennines to help them and their habitat.
It costs £16 and booking is essential. Call the nature reserve base on 01833-622374.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here