The Oldie

Capercaillie

f0069-01.jpg
CARRY AKROYD

The capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is the largest and most forest-dependent of the grouse family (Tetraonidae). The name ‘capercaillie' is an anglicisation of the Gaelic capull coille, ‘horse of the woods' – from a ‘trot' sound in the cock's elaborate mating call.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from The Oldie

The Oldie3 min read
Right Royal Tragedies
The Lives and Deaths of the Princesses of Hesse Frances Welch Short Books £25 In 2011, I was employed to comment for an American outlet on Prince William's wedding to Catherine Middleton. I envisaged being stuck in a van in the compound opposite West
The Oldie5 min read
Russian Roulette
In November 1979, probably because of my fragile position as a director in the emerging Australian film industry, I was asked if I was interested in a ‘cultural' visit to Russia. I was accompanied by an Australian actor and an official from Canberra,
The Oldie6 min read
A Welsh elegy
Ah &8230; the smells of childhood. Twice a week, the bread baking gently in the oven. On Sunday mornings, the promise of the slowly roasting leg of lamb. In summer, fresh strawberries. And, every evening, the joy of bedtime cuddles with my sweet-smel

Related Books & Audiobooks