What to Expect

This is a group workshop. We will meet at a pre defined location approximately 3 hours before sunrise. We will have a quick briefing and there will be time to ask questions as we drive in my car closer to the lek. There will also be plenty of time to chat on the walk up to the hides. 

There is a track all the way to the lek, but it can be a bit bumpy so sturdy footwear is recommended. Walking time will be approximately 25 minutes, reasonable walking ability needed. To avoid disturbing the birds which could impact their breeding success, we will be in the hides until the lek has finished, approximately 2 hours after sunrise. Please be aware that you will need to stay in the hide for the entire time which could be up to 5 hours.   

During the lek, you will be in your own hide. I recommend a lens focal length of 300-600mm. The default setup will be for front lit images (with the sun behind us), however prior to the workshop, depending on light and weather conditions, we can confirm whether to proceed with a front lit or back lit hide set up. If you’d prefer a back lit set up, we can agree this in advance. 

Temperatures in April can be unpredictable. Frosty mornings can be great for photographs but it can get cold, especially when lying still for periods of time. I will give a weather update prior to the workshop, but I do recommend bringing extra layers and anything you might need to stay comfortable while inside a hide for 3 to 5 hours.  

As we must not disturb the lek, we need to remain quiet during the session. I will ask you to put your phone on silent or turn it off. We won’t be able to speak during the session, although in the case of an emergency we will abort as per the briefing which I will run through with you prior to the workshop. 

While we will focus on black grouse during the workshop and your time in the hides, we might also see red grouse, deer, other upland species and raptors such as red kites and buzzards are common.