White-Tailed Ptarmigan

[Paul Lagasi]

Went to Cathedral Lakes Lodge in Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park in British Columbia, the lodge is at an elevation of 7000 ft...it took me 4.5 hours to climb (9 hour round trip) up to 9000 feet where I could find white-tailed ptarmigan, but its wasn't as easy as I thought...I almost stepped on this one..they are so well at hiding amongst the rocks. They do not move very far from these rocks, as it is their only protection from predators. Also saw many Mountain Goats, and young at close range, 5 -10 feet away, they have absolutely no fear of humans. Climb was brutal but only place to see and photograph these birds and goats.

D300 200-400 vr @ 200mm ISO-1000 f7.1 1/1000

[Sabyasachi Patra]

What a camouflage !

[Desmond Chan]

If only you moved a bit to your left, and the bird had its eye closed...then it would just be a picture of a rock ;)

Long trip but worth the effort, I'd say.

[Jason Searle]

can definatley see why you nearly steped on one, there camouflage seems perfect for its environment.

[Linda Robbins]

A fine example of how birds use camouflage. Nice pose and sharp detail. Worth the effort of getting there!

[Ramon M. Casares]

Nice one, great camouflage, I am amazed... I would imagine that getting this bird with a cleaner BG is not esay, right?Still, congratulations!

[Rosl Roessner]

Great camouflage picture!