Awaiting The Guns

Whilst on the high tops this week I came across this small party of Red Grouse. The date was the 10th August and I wonder now how many of this group are still alive after the commencement of shooting on the 12th.
Sadly some Gamekeepers clear out all forms of raptors from the moor to ensure a larger bag of Grouse when the shooting starts. Such is the persecution that breeding Hen Harriers are now down to less than a dozen pairs in England.These are the only ones left on moorland that should support more than 300 pairs. Something  has to be done to stop this slaughter.
This weeks gallery photos reminds us just how spectacular a bird the Hen Harrier is. Click here