Lifers and all that Jazz

Birds, Canada, Neil Zeller, Travel, Uncategorized, Workshops

Well I did end up with a few Lifers up in the Yukon. There was a Spruce Grouse and a Tundra Swan and then there was these gorgeous Willow Ptarmigan! They we so compliant it was hard to imagine that they haven’t been hunted to extinction. They are slow moving, a little timid but not really afraid of humans, and cute as little girl winter coat buttons. I had a hard time culling the many images I took and hope you enjoy these few I chose for you.

Look at those beautiful feathers!!
Got my Ptarmigans all in a row! Except one! Darn it, Katie… get back in line!!
These Ptarmigan were changing colour for the winter. In a couple of weeks they will be stark white and indistinguishable (for the most part) from the Rock Ptarmigan.
Merlin Birds describes their vocalization as, “a comical nasal chuckle and various clucking noises”. It was funny when we were taking our photos that many of us were trying to immitate them to get their attention. Personally, I was saying, “turn your head this way… give me your best side”. Sometimes it even worked.
The intricate red-brown feathers of these guys make them masters of camoflauge.
The Ptarmigan’s feet are heavily feathered so that they can walk over deep snow in the winter. They will burrow into the snow to take shelter from the elements and can withstand brutally cold winters.

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