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| A male ptarmigan taken in March as it starts to moult into its summer colours |
Ptarmigan are unusual birds - two things set them apart from many other birds. They are found in m
ountainous areas above 2000 feet (609 metres) and they are one of the only British species that changes colour in the winter to nearly pure white. This is a grouse that loves the high life. It can cope with intense cold, blizzards and gales in the wildest parts of the Scottish mountains.
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| Ptarmigan male taken early winter already carrying winter plumage |
All my photos of Ptarmigan were taken on the mountain of Breabag in the Assynt area of Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands
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| Breabag taken from Conival, one of the highest mountains in Assynt. |
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A Scottish Ptarmigan on Breabag with Conival in the background
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Foot feathers act as both insulation and snowshoes in winter, spreading the bird’s weight as it walks.
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| A rear view clearly showing the feathered legs and feet which help to support them in deep snow and keep them warm |
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| Ptarmigan love the rocks |
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A male Ptarmigan finding something more interesting than me
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| Ptarmigan male at home on the rocks |
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