Black grouse annual lek surveys by study groups in Speyside, Donside, Angus Glens and the Southern Uplands for the period 2018 to 2021

Quality Control

These data have been collected by a mix of professional field workers and trained volunteer field workers. Data are of high quality and have been checked for errors.

Method steps

1. Lek counts are carried out between the end of March and mid May at each site. These counts follow the survey methodology in Gilbert et al. 1998. Each count is carried out from one hour before dawn to 07:00. The counts are carried out using binoculars or a telescope from distances of 100-500m to avoid disturbance to the lek. Surveys are conducted only on mornings when weather conditions are suitable, with good visibility and light winds. The total numbers of males attending each lek are recorded with the maximum numbers of males over two visits used to give an estimate of population size. The entries in this dataset are observations that have been made by a diverse group of volunteers including gamekeepers, land managers, conservation and forestry workers and members of the public.

Data were collected by volunteers in four distinct geographic areas in Scotland, Speyside, Donside, the Angus Glens and the Southern Uplands in the Scottish Borders. The grid references shown in this dataset refer to 10-km where study group members surveyed leks.