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The Return of Winter
After a wild and mild few weeks, winter has returned with a somewhat half hearted attempt at snow. There have been some decent frosts and the occassional flurry on the low ground, but the hills seem to be holding the white stuff quite well, and it certainly is cold up here. The snow has provided… Continue reading
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January Harriers
Almost a year to the day since they appeared on the Chayne, the hen harriers have returned. Last year, more than five harriers at a time were seen cruising over the low ground below the moor, and this morning I happened to come across a cock and hen bird flying together over a patch of… Continue reading
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“For People, For Birds, For Ever”
I happened to notice yesterday that the RSPB are again advertising for paid lek surveyors in Dumfries and Galloway. Candidates are required, in the terms of the job offer, to “undertake surveys for black grouse, with the expectation of searching approximately fifteen 5km squares for black grouse lekking locations and record relevant information e.g. lek… Continue reading
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Hedge Plans
With the hill more or less dead and lifeless, now seems to be the time to make plans for the spring. Although it doesn’t seem it, the growing season is almost here, and I’ve got big plans for planting. One of the most important projects I’m working on this year is creating (or resurrecting in… Continue reading
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Snares, Red Grouse and an Early Bath
Just thought it was worth documenting a great walk up the hill this afternoon, under a mild sun with views down to the Lake District and the Isle of Man. My snare midden has been working for the past two weeks and although it hasn’t produced the goods yet, it’s come tantalisingly close. Yesterday, I… Continue reading
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Jimny Complications
I don’t know a thing about cars. I like to think that I’m not a stupid person and I can often pick up new information quite quickly when it interests me. The problem is that cars don’t interest me. I’ve been driving for almost nine years and have driven a huge assortment of old bangers… Continue reading
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“The Black Grouse” takes shape
The last few days have been incredibly hectic, heading down to visit the publishers of my black grouse book while trying to keep on top of the puppy and scouting around the hill for foxes. I caught the train down to England on Tuesday morning, and had the misfortune of sitting next to the ubiquitous… Continue reading
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On Blackness
Having finally got my camera up and running again after almost a month, it’s been good fun picking up where I left off in my attempts to document the Chayne in photographs. One of the first things I managed to swing the lens onto today was this blackcock, lurking in the debris of zome old… Continue reading
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In the thick of it
Just thought it was worth including this picture which I took this morning from my bedroom window, looking across the loch to the Bogrie Hill. I’m thrilled to bits to finally be living within earshot of grouse, particularly in an area with reasonable heather coverage. The Chayne is a white hill, with the majority of… Continue reading
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Black Promise
Every day that goes by, the little black dog makes her presence more and more obvious. No longer confined to the house on wet days or longer walks, she accompanies me across the hills as a matter of routine – and what a difference it is to walk with her. At four months of age,… Continue reading
About
“Shout on, Morgan. You’ll be nothing tomorrow”
Swn y galon fach yn torri, 1952
Also at: https://andtheyellowale.substack.com
Bog Myrtle & Peat 