Went for a late evening drive last night - despite being a lovely evening (=sun, no rain ), this was the only bit of wildlife that we spotted. Quite heartening to see this youngster as it gives some hope that the BG's have succeeded in rearing some chicks this year despite the miserable wet/cold weather we've had since April.
[Ed. This is an adult in Eclipse plumage, not a youngster - see comments & pic later]
Stunning image - agree with Brian it has a surreal quality about it. I have a feeling this bird is probably a male in eclipse plumage as I think at this time of the year the juveniles are similar to the Greyhens. That said I have never seen fully grown juveniles or males in eclipse but if there was any hint of a lyre shaped tail (hidden in this image) that would clinch it.
Having checked back with other shots I've got of Juvi BG's - I think you're right. It is probably an Eclipse Male - there aren't enough of the Grey Hen/Juvi feathers showing on the original shot as compared to the 2nd shot (above). As the other shots that I have of Juvi's are from late Aug & Spet. - it'd also be a couple of months early into the plumage .
My excuse is that the c**p summer weather we're having makes it feel like late Aug/Sept .
Posted by John Chapman on July 26, 2007 at 12:19 PM
Hi Nick very nice image but I am going to stick my neck out on this one I think it is a Red Grouse as up here in Grampian we get dark phase ones as well as the normal Red Grouse.
John
Aberdeen
A couple of things that say so and which can't be picked up on in the photo - the habitat isn't Red territory as it's herb rich grazing pasture and scrubland, not heather; and the size of the bird (bigger than RG). Also, there're no Reds in this particular area. FWIW, the white flashes on the wings and under the tail are another pointer to BG rather than RG.
Will have to head up your way some time & take a look at your darker RG's .
Posted by Paula Graham on July 28, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Beautiful shot with the complimentary colouring. I love it.
Discussion
14 replies1DII, 500/4, 1/2000s @ f/4 ev-1/3, ISO250
Went for a late evening drive last night - despite being a lovely evening (=sun, no rain
[Ed. This is an adult in Eclipse plumage, not a youngster - see comments & pic later]
Mark
Regards
Brian
Nice that you've captured it - with this bloomin' weather I bet the moors will be short many a 2007 grouse - black or red
Stunning image - agree with Brian it has a surreal quality about it. I have a feeling this bird is probably a male in eclipse plumage as I think at this time of the year the juveniles are similar to the Greyhens. That said I have never seen fully grown juveniles or males in eclipse but if there was any hint of a lyre shaped tail (hidden in this image) that would clinch it.
Wish it was mine!
David
Having checked back with other shots I've got of Juvi BG's - I think you're right. It is probably an Eclipse Male - there aren't enough of the Grey Hen/Juvi feathers showing on the original shot as compared to the 2nd shot (above). As the other shots that I have of Juvi's are from late Aug & Spet. - it'd also be a couple of months early into the plumage
My excuse is that the c**p summer weather we're having makes it feel like late Aug/Sept
Phillip.
John
Aberdeen
Definitely a BG
A couple of things that say so and which can't be picked up on in the photo - the habitat isn't Red territory as it's herb rich grazing pasture and scrubland, not heather; and the size of the bird (bigger than RG). Also, there're no Reds in this particular area. FWIW, the white flashes on the wings and under the tail are another pointer to BG rather than RG.
Will have to head up your way some time & take a look at your darker RG's