First day grouse counting today and what a day to start - blue skies all round! After the snow yesterday, it was a very welcome change. Dotty did brilliantly! Couldn't fault her and she really showed how good her nose is as she was scenting them from a loooong way away. Hard going and we are both tired but back out again tomorrow. Sometimes, I just love my job Helen
Thanks. Basically, it's just counting grouse. I have a number of transects that I walk along in Spring and July, and count the number of grouse I find. Dotty, or whoever, hunts in front of me, points, and flushes, and I write down the coordinate of where they were, whether male/female/pr/number of young, and the distance from the transect. This then gives the estate an idea of the number of grouse they have - spring is for over winter losses, and July are the brood counts, to see how well the grouse have bred that season. Thoroughly enjoy doing it but it can get very tiring. Got back today after walking for nearly all day through very rough terrain. Wouldn't swap it for the world though Helen
Supposed to change tomorrow but hoping I can get the rest done. They won't have started yet as they settle down later up there. It was more like mid/end March when we started in Northumberland. lol. Giving Zumba a miss tonight - think I've done enough!
