Where to find Red Grouse in Caithness?

[henkjanvdkolk]

Hello,

I am now in Caithness, near Thurso and I like to see the Red Grouse. Can you see them in Caithness? And near Thurso? At what kind of area do I have to seek them?

I will stay here for 2 weeks, then I will go back to the Netherlands again. I alreadz have seen the Puffins, fantastic birds!

Henk-Jan van der Kolk (From Holland)

[buzzard]

Hello Henk Jan, I think you are staying with my neighbours here at Shurrery? There certainly is a fair amount of red grouse around here (they often come on our land), just put your boots on and go for a (long) walk through the heather (probably best to go towards Shurrery estate, or up Dorrery hill). They live in heather, no good walking through a grass field looking for them.
They sound a bit like frogs.
Will see you around...good luck!

[Duncansby]

Hello

I hope your enjoying your visit to Caithness. The best place to spot red grouse is on upland heather moors where it will shoot up from the heather if disturbed.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has a number of reserves in Caithness: Forsinard Flows, Broubster Leans and Dunnet Head. Forsinard Flows would be the site to see red grouse though and they also do guided walks. You can find more information about the reserve here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/forsinard/about.aspx. However, you may also try the Dunnet Bay area or Halladale, basically any upland area with heather moors.

Good luck!

[buggyracer]

youd find one a lot quicker with one of these.....

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d108/buggyracer/GSP/024-1.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d108/buggyracer/GSP/041.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d108/buggyracer/GSP/006-2.jpg