After several weeks of heavy rain we are finally in a bit drier weather pattern. As a result, we decided to go for a hike up to the Continental Divide Trail near Highland Mary’s Lakes east of Silverton. Although we got sprinkled on a bit, it was a beautiful day to get up into the high alpine terrain. As we were hiking along, my wife saw a White-tailed Ptarmigan run across the trail. Once it got sufficiently clear of us, it proceeded to wander along foraging on the grass as it headed towards a small creek. I decided to try to loop around in front of where it was heading to see if I could get a bit closer. By not following it directly, I was able to get relatively close. I kept hearing a faint noise, however, that sounded like another Ptarmigan nearby. Sure enough, as I sat and photographed the adult male that we first spotted, an adult female with a single chick appeared. The female lacks the red eyebrow of the breeding male, although it was interesting to see that the young Ptarmigan also sported a red eyebrow even though it was clearly born this year and not of breeding age. We ended up spending almost an hour hanging out and watching the three Ptarmigans forage among the grass and wildflowers.
We were fortunate to run across this Ptarmigan family as they are well camouflaged among the rocky, high alpine terrain where they reside. These photos were taken up around 12,500’ along the Continental Divide. As seen in the photos, their summer plumage blends in extremely well into the rocky terrain. On multiple occasions we have tried to find Ptarmigans without success. I imagine that on multiple occasions we have walked right past one without spotting it. As a result, the only photos I have managed to get of Ptarmigans were when we unexpectedly stumbled across one, such as the Ptarmigan in winter shown here. They are the only North American bird to live year-round in the high-elevation alpine tundra. The Ptarmigan’s plumage varies by season. In summer, they are patterned light and dark brown, making them nearly invisible among the rocks and shrubs where they reside. In winter, they are all white with the exception of their eyes and beak. They also have large, feathered feet, allowing them to walk on top of the snow, and in winter they burrow into the snow to roost.