Perdix perdix

Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group

According to tradition Grey Partridges (Perdix perdix) usually hatch their eggs during Royal Ascot week. Although this brood is fractionally early for the horse racing they are right on cue as far as they’re concerned. The Grey Partridge was once a common bird across much of the British countryside. Today they are a red listed species after decades of decline and in some places they have disappeared all together. It may not surprise our followers to learn that in contrast to other areas our managed uplands are bucking the trend in respect of these plucky little gamebirds. As a ground nesting bird they are extremely vulnerable to predation from stoats, foxes and badgers to domestic cats, dogs and especially rats. Measured predator controls here in our uplands are protecting the Grey Partridge and preserving them from declines. Although not commonly associated with moorlands these birds are thriving on the moor fringes. The spring weather has been kind (so far) to these plump little characters and some good sized broods are beginning to appear. This clip was sent in by one of our grouse keepers today.