IMAGE OF THE MONTH

APRIL 2017

Male and female ptarmigan resting in the sun

After a few days of unexpected heavy snowfall in the Cairngorms, this pair of ptarmigan were trying to feed on the patches of exposed snow.  The male does not leave the females side unless it is to fight off another male coming into their territory and is quick to return as soon as the threat is taken care of.  As the sun came out the female settled on the boulder for a rest as this gave them the best cover now they are in their spring plumage. As she closed her eyes and soaked up the sun’s rays the male takes the higher ground to keep an eye on any threats coming from the sky or the ground.