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Perthshire has a unique relationship with this fascinating and rare forest inhabitant. For it was here, in 1837, that the bird was re-introduced, following its extinction by over-hunting and forest clearance. Drummond Hill, near Kenmore, was the location for this early experiment, providing a suitable habitat of pine trees in the upper parts of the forest. Happily a small population of capercaillie still thrives in these woods today and quiet, alert visitors are sometimes rewarded with a sighting. The capercaillie is our largest woodland bird and is roughly the size of a large turkey. Despite its massive bulk, the capercaillie is capable of crashing through low hanging branches at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Their name translates as `Horse of the Woods` and is derived from the strange clicking, gulping and `clop-clop` calls that the males make during the spring breeding season. At this time, males strut, fan their tails and make a lot of noise at clearings in the woods known as `leks` - it’s a dramatic spectacle after which the females (hens) choose their mate.
URGENT ACTION NEEDED
However all is not rosy for the capercaillie, with numbers being reported as "dangerously low". A research project in the 1970's revealed a population of around 20,000 but a more recent count showed an alarming decline to around 2000 birds in Scotland.
The main threat to the capercaillie's survival is poor breeding caused by the change in weather patterns over recent years. Prolonged cool weather in spring prevents the females from feeding well enough to get into breeding condition. Wet summers chill the small chicks that are already struggling to find enough food to grow rapidly to adult size. Further threats have come from predators and forestry practice - in the past many `capers` have died as a result of flying into high deer fences around wooded plantations.
The Forestry Commission and other partners are actively trying to reverse the decline in this national wildlife treasure. A £2.5 million European Union funded project to promote best practice is underway across Scotland. In addition the Scottish Executive has financed the removal of redundant deer fences and the marking up of remaining fences with bright, clearly visible tags.
Tips for successful watching
Early morning from April to mid May is the best time to see these rare birds, 4.30am to 8am.
Native Caledonian pine woods are the favoured habitat of the capercaillie.
Capercaillie are ground nesting birds & susceptible to disturbance - please keep dogs under control.
Birds and the law
All wild birds are protected by law and some species (such as capercaillie) have special protection under both UK and European legislation. It is a criminal offence to knowingly disturb a nest or lek site or interfere with the eggs. "Disturbance" includes photography and filming, even with remote-operated cameras.
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WHERE TO WATCH
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Encounters with capercaillies are uncommon but they have been sighted at Drummond Hill (Kenmore) and Craigvinean Forest (Dunkeld). Both forests have a network of lovely walking and cycling trails so that even if `The Horse of the Woods` proves elusive you'll benefit from some real tree therapy. Comrie Golf Club has a capercaillie as its emblem and some years ago a particularly truculent male made a habit of distracting golfers trying to concentrate on their game!
Don't be too disappointed if you don't happen to see a capercaillie striding through the Perthshire woodlands - the excellent natural history gallery at Perth Museum and Art Gallery has a life size version of this massive bird. Sightings of many other native species also guaranteed … and it's free.
Perth Museum and Art Gallery, George Street, Perth. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Closed Christmas to New Year inclusive.
The RSPB at Loch Garten, Invernesshire have special viewing facilities for capercaillie. You can watch capercaillie at a lek on CCTV at the Osprey Hide from April to mid-May (5.30am to 8am). Advance booking required T: 01479 821409
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