The Capercaillie of Strathspey
Welcome to our page specifically devoted to the Strathspey Capercaillie. Our friends and clients have persuaded us to include this on our site. It has been created to share a handful of our images of the 'Caper', one of Britain's most vulnerable birds.
With the necessary permissions, we have been most fortunate to have been given assisted access to photograph these magnificent birds at their leks. For this, we are most grateful to all concerned.
Critically Endangered
You will know that, for some time, Capercaillie have been is serious decline in Scotland. They are considered to be critically endangered. Strathspey, located in the central Highlands, is the last bastion of these Turkey-sized members of the Grouse family.
With the present population now estimated to be only about 500, it is far easier to spot a Golden Eagle than a Capercaillie. Predation by the 'protected' Pine Marten, human disturbance, reduced habitat and wet springtimes are widely considered to be the main causes of their demise.
The shy and elusive Capercaillie is rarely seen and easily disturbed. Photographing these birds is a careful, meticulous and time-consuming process which necessitates the use of a comfortable hide and absolute silence.
Large Limited Edition Professional Photographs
Three unique images of Capercaillie are displayed below. They are particularly special because of their composition in native Caledonian Pine Forest, for the obliging pose of the birds and also for their clarity. Accordingly, we have been persuaded to make these available as large limited edition prints.
These are professionally produced on Fuji Crystal Archive lustre paper and create a superb feature when professionally framed. The photograph produced from image No. 1 measures approx' 98 x 42 cm, (excluding border). The photographs produced from images No. 2 & 3 both measure approx' 76 x 51 cm, (excluding border).
Each limited edition photograph is signed and comes with an adhesive, signed certificate which should be attached to the rear of your new masterpiece, when framed. An example of one such framed photograph can be seen by clicking here.
Click on each of the three pictures, below, for a larger image. Incidentally, the quality of the actual photographs is far more clear and vivid than the heavily compressed images created with the limitations of the internet!
All photographs are priced at just £68, which includes insured (UK only) postage, in a robust tube. If you would like to purchase more than one of the photographs, each subsequent photograph is priced at just £59. Payment is only accepted via Paypal which provides guarantees. Please contact us by text, or e-mail for your order and payment details.
Incidentally, you may be wondering where the tenth hen Caper is located in image No. 1. She has her back to the camera and can just be seen in between the most obvious two hen birds on the left of the image. It can be a most difficult task to get these birds to pose properly ........and all at the same time!
The Rogue Caper
On the subject of posing, on very rare occasions, male 'Caper' can become so aggressive and territorial that they will attack almost anything, including humans. During such extraordinary encounters, the hunter (the photographer) becomes the hunted! The image, above, features one such bird. Astonishingly, it flew down from a tree, posed briefly for the camera, then launched a vicious and unprovoked assault with its battering wings and sharp beak. That was an experience!
Below, is a small and unedited selection of covertly-taken selection of photographs featuring normally behaved, elusive Capercaillie. Enjoy this sample of our images.
