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(As we approached Eielson Visitor Center,
we heard a snorting type noise that had us frightened that a
wild pig might be around. Wild pigs in Alaska?
Upon closer inspection it turned out to be a couple of
Ptarmigans (Alaska's State Bird). Notice their white
feathers that were replacing the brown feathers. They
were growing their winter camouflage.)
Ptarmigans...
While approaching the East Fork River, in
unit 31, we noticed many (maybe 15) small partridge or
grouse like birds running in and out of the willows. These
birds looked like they were about 1 pound to 1 1/2 pounds.
They were eating the willow twigs. Later, we found out
that these little birds were Willow Ptarmigans (Alaska's
State Bird). We read that these birds do eat willow
twigs as well as a lot of other vegetation, berries, seeds,
beetles, and caterpillars.
Only later did we hear their curious calls.
As we approached Eielson Visitor Center, we heard a snorting
type noise that had us frightened that a wild pig might be
around. Wild pigs in Alaska? Upon closer
inspection it turned out to be a couple of Ptarmigans .
Notice their white feathers that were
replacing the brown feathers. They were growing their
winter camouflage.
Learn more about
Ptarmigans...
Ptarmigan
Hotlist
Ptarmigan
Alaska's Department of Fish and Game offers excellent, detailed
information on the Grizzly Bear.
Ptarmigan
New Hampshire Public Television has put together a very easy to use
web page so that you can learn about characteristics, range, habitat,
food, reproduction, and behavior.
Ptarmigan
Denali National Park has developed this excellent web site on the
Ptarmigan.
Rock
Ptarmigan The University of Michigan has developed an
excellent site that gives very detailed information.
Rock
Ptarmigan This journal mixes in good information with the
story of their trip.
Patuxent
Bird Glossary Even though this glossary is not just about
the Ptarmigan you can click on the links to see an image with detailed
labels of the different parts of a bird
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