Oh, boy, I've been so excited about this morning's little adventure. 2.30 am alarm. 3 am departure. Meet at Glen Tanar at 3.40 am. Well, that was the plan. Thank goodness I was packed and ready to go, because, guess what, the alarm didn't go off at 2.30 am! I woke at 2.55 am!!! I was out of bed and dressed in a flash. Flask of coffee prepared. In the car by 3.05 am and at the meet point by 3.35 am. Phew. I never sleep in! Bad start - I wasn't feeling at my best - I hate rushing!
Transfer to flat hides up very bumpy road, and got kit sorted out inside hide in the dark with head torch. Wasn't sure what lens I would need, nor what sort of light I'd be dealing with when the grouse and daylight finally arrived. It all worked out though. Various little teething problems, started with wrong lens, swapped it out, and got re-organised. My low try-pod was too flimsy for my zoom lens, so basically had to hand hold, and so have a stiff neck now from lying flat on the ground with my head in an awkward position for several hours! Mattress and sleeping bag were essential for keeping cosy. 700+ photos taken, a lot of them rubbish but I currently have reduced it down to just over 100. More dumping of the dross to go, but in the meantime, sharing this action shot. My favourite of the day - especially as I don't really have the right equipment for this type of photography, but I do my best with what I have!
Coffee by the fireside after the photography session with the gamekeeper, Adam. A fantastic morning, and well worth the effort. You'll see more of the grouse tomorrow, I suspect, and perhaps also the next day!
Congratulations Isai this is a really remarkable capture! Standing upright on their back legs just like regular human fighters…..they look full of fight! Looking in full fighting mode….i will have to look up Black Grouse now & learn more!
Oh not fighting at all but courting!! Just watched a video…..extraordinary.
What a stunning action capture! And i love your story that goes with this - I will follow through with the rest! And on that note, thankyou so much for going back through my story of the eels. I really appreciate the comments and interest :)
Oh not fighting at all but courting!! Just watched a video…..extraordinary.