And once again pure nature. Pro Natura am Aletsch offers a weekend with the black grouse to observe its habitat and behaviour. I have to be honest: I have absolutely no idea about the black grouse. So I did a bit of research first.

A brief introduction to the black grouse

The black grouse is categorised as a ruffed grouse because of its feathered feet. The male is larger than the female and, as always, has prettier feathers. The cock's call during courtship can be heard for kilometres. The food on offer ranges from buds and flowers to insects and spiders. The hen lays 7 to 10 eggs from the end of May to the beginning of June. The chicks are independent after just 4 weeks. And once the black grouse has mated with its mate, it is not interested in anything else. Neither nest building nor brood care. Well... not all pairs of birds behave the same, eh?

Further specific characteristics can be found on the Swiss Ornithological Institute website There you can also listen to the call of the black grouse.

Unfortunately, the course at the Pro Natura Zentrum Aletsch is already fully booked. Nevertheless, I recommend that you give a call to take part and simply stay overnight in one of available holiday flats.

Im Böimschlag gar lieblich mängs Vogeldi singt