Grouse Season

Grouse Season

I feel sorry for my husband at this time of year.  Driving through the countryside when you are married to a photographer is tough, not only do you end up with a ridiculously heavy camera on your lap, "just in case there is something to shoot" there are also the emergency stops when said photographer sees something.   

It was one of those days two days ago, we were on our way back from a day out exploring archaeology sites (his day job) and I decided to avoid the motorway, and drive home across country.  

Heathery moors can only mean one thing, LOTS of wildlife, birds, and more.   A glance to the right and I spotted  a Red Grouse perched on a wall.   Stopping the car in a bit of a hurry, thankful for the quiet road, I grabbed the camera from my long suffering hubby and got out.  

There are always more!

There is always more than one, you only have to look.    A quick hop (or rather an undignified clamber) over a style, and I got what I was looking for.   

I got the giggles when I saw the next one, I swear this bird was saying " Its ok guys, you can come out now, she is only shooting with a camera" 

The camouflage of these birds never ceases to amaze me, they blend in so well.  

This was the moment that I remembered, that in my hurry to get out and shoot the birds, I had neglected to change my shoes, and the peat bog that I was now walking over was thriving thank to the wettest July on record, my thin sandshoes were no match and my feet were soaked.  Ah well, I was on my way home now, turning to head back to the car, and there were more.

Getting back to the car, I was happy to have some images, my husband not so much when I handed him the camera and began to drive.....Fasten your seatbelt, who knows what is coming next!