Deer fences are commonly employed in the uplands of Scotland to control the movements of livestock and deer. Due to the generally brief and limited encounters that people experience with these vast lengths of fencing, their detrimental impact on certain species of bird is often underappreciated. This article outlines the problem and considers potential solutions.
With fast wingbeats and short glides on bowed wings, the Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus flew ‘close to the ground with amazing swiftness’, following the curve of the hill. It did not see the lines of wire across the moor and at the instant of impact, it was dead.