Following our successful grouse trip in May, we once again set out very early this morning, headed for Worlds End, near Llangollen. This time we had grandpa, enticed to visit by the prospect of seeing grouse, and a very excited Emile, who was gutted to have missed them last time, when Kate and I went alone. On our last visit we got lost, and ended up in the wrong place. This time we found Worlds End easily enough, but somehow managed not to recognise the bend where the lek occurs! This led to a long detour around a circular loop to reach the site again, while also ensuring grandpa was seated on the right side of the car for photography. Fortunately, once we eventually arrived, the birds put on a cracking display, as they strutted, displayed and dashed aggressively at each other. Emile was thrilled by their antics, and Tim got some great pictures, so it was worth it in the end. A Wheatear moving about behind the lek site was also a nice new bird for Emile
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Black Grouse
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After the lek was over, we drove slowly on, and encountered several Red Grouse, sometimes hunkered in the vegetation, peering out to check for danger, other times running along or sat on the heather close to the road. They certainly seemed much easier to spot than in Scotland!
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| Red grouse, hiding! |
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| Red Grouse, female |
Clinging to the vegetation lining the road, we found a family group of Whinchats, whilst foraging on the road ahead of the car, we had several decent sightings of Skylark and Meadow Pipit, all new birds for Emilie, so she was delighted.
From here we drove into Llangollen for a very pleasant and relaxing canal boat trip to Chirk. We had plenty of time beforehand for a slap up breakfast, then Tim and I took Emile for a short walk along the river, where we added Mandarin Duck and Goosander to her burgeoning list. An excellent day all round!
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