Partridges on Northumberland grouse moor in with a shot of winning photo competition

This beautiful image of rare grey partridges was taken just before Christmas in Northumberland.
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Photographer James Little, from Allenheads, took the seasonal picture on the West Allenheads Estate, near Hexham.

He said: “I had wanted a photo of this bird for a while now but have always struggled to find them due to their low numbers and when I did, I was always too far away to get a good image.

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"From speaking to one of the local game keepers he gave me some advice of where and when to find them, so with this local knowledge and a lot of patience I finally got really lucky one afternoon and managed to get not just one but three all at once.”

Patridges pictured on West Allenheads Estate in Northumberland. Picture by James Little.Patridges pictured on West Allenheads Estate in Northumberland. Picture by James Little.
Patridges pictured on West Allenheads Estate in Northumberland. Picture by James Little.

He is a finalist in a new photography competition celebrating the breadth and diversity of birdlife flourishing on managed moorland.

Kerry Woodhouse of the North Pennines Moorland Group said: “Photography is one of the many ways people can get out and enjoy the moors, which has been particularly important this year.

"The UK is blessed with many beautiful bird species in our upland areas from lapwings and curlew to golden plover, owls, merlin and buzzards, to name but a few.

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“Observing these birds through the lens is a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the diversity that thrives on managed moorland.”

James Little.James Little.
James Little.

The overall winner will be announced soon. The top prize of a night’s stay for two at Swinton Park Hotel is provided by the Moorland Association, which organised the competition in conjunction with the Campaign for the Protection of Moorland Communities.

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