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Further victories!
The ferrets have been back in action; this time under a cattle shed outside Dumfries. Gradual chipping away during generations of rabbit excavation have meant that a large corner of concrete flooring is in real danger of collapsing into the hollow warren cleared by the stubborn bunnies. Before anything can be done to support the… Continue reading
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Incoming wigeon
Exactly 13 months ago, I visited Caerlaverock wildfowl sanctuary to find out a bit more about wigeon; the most fantastic species of wild duck to be found in Galloway. Caerlaverock has several resident birds which don’t head north to Scandinavia and Northern Russia, and I managed to have a look at one or two of… Continue reading
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Winter’s on the way
What with all I’ve had on recently, I haven’t had the chance to get up to the Chayne for the last ten days. Driving up this afternoon, I disturbed a red kite and two corbie crows who were dining out together on a hen pheasant which had been squashed on the road. The past few… Continue reading
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Welcome back, woodcock!
The main migration of woodcock is probably not due for another few days, but I was delighted to see the first of the pioneers while out walking on the stubble field behind the house last night. I’m sure they won’t be back in such huge numbers as they were in Dumfries and Galloway… Continue reading
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A trip to Glencarron
I headed up to Glencarron reservoir this afternoon with the intention of looking around an area of Forestry Commission land which has built a local reputation as a confirmed stronghold for black grouse. Combining black grouse habitat with commercial forestry is an extremely delicate business, and having seen something similar in North Wales in… Continue reading
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Most unusual
Having had such an amazing time looking at huge numbers of black grouse in the Scottish Borders last weekend (see below), I couldn’t resist heading back for another look. Having been up at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh this afternoon (researching for a bigger project on black grouse), I thought that heading home… Continue reading
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Bespoke Ballistics (part 2)
One or two readers have been in touch with me about an article I published on this site a few months ago about Bespoke Ballistics, a company run by my friend Richard Waller. For the sake of expanding what is quite an interesting and relevant subject, and with an eye to promote his new business… Continue reading
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Welcome “pinks”!
I have been told that my ferrets are extremely overweight. They are certainly consuming a tremendous quantity of food at the moment, but I hadn’t realised their chubbiness until it was bluntly pointed out to me by a fellow ferreting enthusiast. In order to get them up to fighting fitness, I have cut down their… Continue reading
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Heaven
On the whole, the world is a dull place for a black grouse enthusiast. Since 1900, the birds have contracted in range by more than 95%, and it has never been a worse time to see what I regard as the finest creatures on the planet. However, every now and again, life is worth living.… Continue reading
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A baptism of fire: Grouse beating
When red grouse fly in packed coveys before the waiting guns, it would seem like the natural culmination of moorland management; a season’s hard work released in one wild flurry of birds. It is a natural progression to think that, by August, the keeper’s work is put in and that the rest will… 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 