Didn't somebody have a run in with a caoercaillie last year.


THIS IS FROM THE BBC WEBSITE.

Walkers are being told to stay away from footpaths on a north-east estate to avoid disturbing an aggressive capercaillie on the hunt for a mate.

The bird has been displaying "lekking" behaviour on trails on the Glen Tanar estate near Aboyne in Aberdeenshire.

There are fears the male could attack passers-by if they get too close.

The local ranger service, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Scottish Natural Heritage and the police have agreed to the action.

They have pointed out that disturbing a lekking capercaillie is an offence.

Signs are now being put up in the area, as well as posts on social media, urging hikers and dog-walkers to steer clear.

A spokesman for the Glen Tanar Estate said: "We can understand peoples' desire to catch a glimpse of the rare capercaillie, but it is important that this protected species be left alone.

"Please help us to ensure the welfare of this bird and ensure that everyone follows all on-site signage and respects the restrictions in place."

Eric Baird, the head ranger with the Glen Tanar Charitable Trust, said it was not clear what had prompted the bird's behaviour.

He said: "It could be because the weather has been so mild. It could be because the food source is very good for him.

"It could also be because he is coming under increasing pressure from visitors and so he is reacting to that by trying to protect what he regards as his territory."

It was 2016, the Challenger in question was uninjured and made it to Montrose where her fiancé was waiting for her and they were married :couple: :ring: :tada: :champagne:
The diversion was in place again last year when I passed through again, it's no big deal, easy to follow, just don't plan to go via Water of Tanar or Water of Allachy. Simples!
I certainly wouldn't tangle with a caper, big birds.

Just making some final touches to my route - of course I was planning to go via Water of Tanar on my way from Ballater towards Aboyne. Do you happen to have any detailed info of the diversion, so that I could take that into account before I send my route for vetting. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

Last time I went through, the path was closed between NO 465 938 heading south and then north up to NO 483 929, including all entry/exit routes on to this looped path.
First time through I left The Firmounth Road and headed east taking the track south of Baudy Meg and across open ground south of spot height 466 to meet the Fungle Road. Last year we took the track heading east that runs north of Baudy Meg for a change, crossing the open ground between Duchery Beg and the spot height 466 to the Fungle Road. Both easy routes.
If you have facebook, a map is here:
https://www.facebook.com/317664328370503/posts/1464558757014382/
Hope that helps.

Thanks Louise, it did help a lot.

My pleasure :slightly_smiling_face: