Partridge Pair
Rock Ptarmigan( commonly called Partridge) are hardy members of the grouse family that spend most of their lives at or above the treeline. Shot (photographed) these late this afternoon. Notice the red eye comb in the male. It can be exposed or retracted and is used to show agression or for courtship...most likely exposed here to show agression since I'm sort of invading his personal space. It looks like the female has started to moult or shed its old feathers, which starts with the head and progresses towards the tail.
Rock Ptarmigan prefer higher elevations and more barren habitat.To better appreciate where these were located, please see the next photograph.
Partridge Pair
Rock Ptarmigan( commonly called Partridge) are hardy members of the grouse family that spend most of their lives at or above the treeline. Shot (photographed) these late this afternoon. Notice the red eye comb in the male. It can be exposed or retracted and is used to show agression or for courtship...most likely exposed here to show agression since I'm sort of invading his personal space. It looks like the female has started to moult or shed its old feathers, which starts with the head and progresses towards the tail.
Rock Ptarmigan prefer higher elevations and more barren habitat.To better appreciate where these were located, please see the next photograph.