Vancouver Island White-tailed Ptarmigan – Photos

ptarmigan6

photo by Steve Ogle

This Vancouver Island white-tailed ptarmigan in summer plumage is well-camouflaged against the rocky terrain in the Beaufort Range.

ptarmigan5

photo by Steve Ogle

In winter, the white plumage provides excellent concealment around the snow. This bird sports identifying leg bands – colour bands to be seen from a distance, and a BC Ministry of Environment numbered metal band.

ptarmigan4

photo by Steve Ogle

 

Across Vancouver Island, birds were caught with a noose pole, banded, measured and released. Some birds were equipped with a radio transmitter, and tracked during the winter on foot or by helicopter.

VIwintertracking

photo by Len Thomas

ptarmigan3

photo by Steve Ogle

This is Mount Albert-Edward, east of Buttle Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park. The core of the Vancouver Island ptarmigan populations and the most extensive alpine habitats occur here.

ptarmigan2

photo by Sandy Briggs

In summer, birds used true alpine habitat, such as this bird at the very top of Golden Hinde, the highest point on Vancouver Island. In winter, birds moved into lower elevations. We found birds on the sides of mountains, and some birds moved into subalpine parkland habitat.

ptarmigan1

photo by Steve Ogle

For more information about our work on Vancouver Island White-tailed Ptarmigan, see the reports page.

Tom Taylor Sept 2001_3 -sharpen

photo by T. Murphy