Battling blackcocks - David Tipling - Wildlife Photographer of the Year2007

2007 Animal Behaviour: Birds - Specially Commended

David Tipling Click to enlarge Battling blackcocks

David Tipling (United Kingdom)

Battling blackcocks

'It took me six days to get the picture I wanted, to show the spirit of the bird in a new way. I'd start an hour before dawn, when it was -10°C. The grouse would arrive in the dark, uttering calls from cooing to explosive hisses as they started to display. I got countless images of them displaying and fighting, but this was the one.' Usually secretive birds, male black grouse become highly visible in spring. At dawn they form a lek - where up to 30 males meet and display to impress the watching females. Once widespread in England, Scotland and Wales, they are one of the most rapidly declining birds in the UK. Habitat loss to farming and plantations is a significant factor.

Nikon D2X + Nikon 300mm f2.8 lens; 1/1000 sec at f2.8; angled viewfinder.