Location: Cairngorms National Park
Max 3 guests per morning.
Black Grouse truly are a striking, impressive looking bird. Cocks with their blue-black plumage broken with white wing-bars, hens speckled intricately with dark grey and brown and a white wing-patch. When displaying, the cocks impressive white tails fan out framed by curved black outer tail feathers, and crowned with impressive red head combs. This member of the woodland grouse family can be found mainly on the woodland fringes between the open moorland areas and adjoining woodlands.
By far the best way to photograph and witness this shy enigmatic bird is when they are displaying at their lekking site in springtime. I still remember the first time I witnessed a black grouse lek close, as if it was yesterday. It still ranks as one of the most memorable wildlife experiences I have had.
All the images above have been taken over the 2026 lek season.
An amazing, surreal experience
Just before sunrise the fluttering of wings will alert you to the arrival of the males on the lek. Through the gloom, you might just make out the fanned white tails of the cock birds as they posture and take up positions on the display ground. What you struggle to see at this point visually you certainly won’t be lacking with the sound effects. A surreal cacophony of bubbling noises (known as rookooing) and hissing calls will fill the imminent sunrise. As daylight creeps in the full display and action will be revealed in all its ostentatious glory, with the cock birds strutting their stuff, puffed up, tails fanned, posturing, calling, sparring and fighting. All this to attract the grey hens onto the lek and vie for their attention.
Hide etiquette
Top quality tragopan hide/hides will be positioned at the lek to allow us to photograph this spring spectacle . To avoid any disturbance we must enter the hide under darkness, well before sunrise and the birds arrival. We remain in the hide until the lek finishes, typically around 4 hrs, 5hrs at max. You need to be prepared to remain inside the hide for that duration. A full briefing will be given on hide etiquette the evening before, as any disturbance to the lek is not acceptable.
The hide is very accessible, an easy 10mins walk from the parking area.
Clothing & Weather
Although it is spring April weather is variable and it can still be cold in the early mornings. Indeed, having some frost is ideal for the photography but it can get chilly sitting in the hide without being able to move much. Having warm layers on is essential and will make your stay in the hide comfortable. I recommend a warm hat, several top layers and a couple of good layers for your legs. Of course, warm footwear as well. You will also require a head torch for the walk in and for setting up once in the hide. A lightweight sleeping bag to sit in can be a good option. We will go over this at the time with the detailed weather forecast.
To photograph the lek requires a lens no shorter than 400mm and up to 600mm for more full frame shots. Fixed primes at these sizes and in-between are great, however telephoto zooms like 100-500mm, 180-600mm will give you more flexibility for varying your images. A tripod is essential. Ideally a mirrorless camera due to them having the silent shutter, however a DSLR is also fine on the quieter shutter setting.
As well as covering hide etiquette the evening before, I will also brief you on the best camera settings to get the most out of your lek visit, as guidance during the lek session itself will not be possible.
B&B accommodation available
As an optional add on extra for anyone requiring this, I can provide accommodation on a B&B basis. It is perfectly located in a very comfortable cabin next door to where I stay. You can come with me on the short drive to the site in the early morning, making things easier for yourself. Once finished at the lek we will return for your amazing breakfast provided by your accommodation host in the lodge, which is also next door to your cabin. You will have your own private bedroom, along with your own shower room and bathroom. There is also a TV lounge to spend the evening in if required. Tea/coffee making facilities are also provided.
If you have your own accommodation a meeting place near Laggan will be arranged prior to the morning lek visit.
There are only 3 places per morning available. You can however book two consecutive mornings to increase your image possibilities and deal with weather variations. Suitable for individuals or a couple.
Individual exclusive use
A morning can be booked on an Individual Exclusive Use Basis. You would have sole use of the hide allowing you a 2-camera set up. One set in the normal way at seating height with fantastic all-round views and a second set-up more at ground level, to achieve that more intimate low level perspective.
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Contact me with any questions.
