Did you know…
that the Willow Ptarmigan (the "P" is silent) is the Alaska State Bird.
Ptarmigan nest and live on the ground, relying on their wonderful camouflage, which changes with the seasons, for protection.
In the summer, the Ptarmigan's multi-shaded brown plumage matches the tundra vegetation where they live. Their colors change as the season progresses.
In the winter, Ptarmigan are completely white to match the snowy ground.
In the spring, hens lay 6 to 10 eggs and the males help protect the chicks. The babies can fly after only about 10 days! But Ptarmigan in general, even though they can fly, spend most of their time walking and eating tundra berries and leaves on the ground.
(Click small pics to see larger)
Date 10/3/08
Anchorage Temperature
Low 32 °F, High 45°F
Daylight 11 hrs 39 mins
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Life in Alaska
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As the long days of summer come to a close, Alaska begins to prepare for the winter ahead. Moose cows are gathered into harems by amorous bulls. Blueberries are ripe for the picking. Ptarmigan start their change from summer plummage to their winter white camo. Arctic ground squirrels munch on blueberries to fatten up for their winter hibernation, always cautious as to not become a snack for a hungry bear doing the same. |
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| This cub stopped gorging on soap berries just long enough for me to grab this shot. The blueberries, dwarf birch and willow of the tundra turn to crimson and gold. A raven feeds on the remains of a snowshoe hare as the life cycle continues. The snowshoe hare will soon change to it’s white winter coat and disappear as a blanket of snow covers the land. |
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| The golden leaves of aspen and birch practically glow in the sunshine. Rich red lowbush cranberries carpet the ground. The bright pink blooms of the fireweed have died and the foliage has turned shades of orange and red. The petals of the wild rose blossoms have fallen and the red rose hips are left behind to be harvested for making tea. -- Leanne |
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| For a taste of autumn, try our jelly 3-pack or Alaska berry tea sampler. |
