If it was not for the black beak and eyes of this Willow Ptarmigan crossing the tundra of Churchill, Manitoba in the winter, he could easily be missed. Even with his dark features, some species of wildlife would pass right by this Willow Ptarmigan as his white coloring is his best protection.
We were lucky to capture a close up picture of this Willow Ptarmigan that decided to wander past us at the right moment while we were in search of Polar Bears. He did not seem to worry too much about us being in his presence and leisurely walked by but if there were young Ptarmigans near by, this bird would not have been so cooperative.
As winter approaches around Churchill, Manitoba, the Willow Ptarmigan alters coloring and becomes totally white. After winter, more browns and red appear throughout its plumage which camouflages it with the changing landscape.Only growing to be about the same size as a chicken, the Willow Ptarmigan has a much harder time finding food during the cold winter months that surround Churchill. ... continue below the picture...
... Once summer arrives, plenty of food is available that appeal to the Willow Ptarmigan such as berries, seeds, insects or the variety of growth on the plants.
Willow Ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus, foraging in the tundra near Hudson Bay, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.
Technical Information:
I photographed this photo with the digital SLR camera model Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, aperture of f/6.3, exposure time of 1/500 sec. on ISO 100, as always I used a original Canon Lens, the focus lenght for this picture was 300mm.