‘Nature nut’ Bob shares his love of local wildlife

Local ‘nature nut’ and wildlife enthusiast Bob Smith has been out and about in the local area and is keen to share with Blairie readers some of the delights he has encountered on his various wildlife safaris.

In the first of an occasional series exploring local wildlife, this week Bob looks at the ptarmigan - one of the hill birds that frequent the highest peaks in Scotland.

He said: “I have always enjoyed watching these birds and other glen beasties through my mountain walks, whether it is in summer or winter.

“It is always a wee treat when I come across the ptarmigan - although as it is a bird that prefers to sit still and use its camouflage rather than fly off, it can be difficult to spot!

“Ptarmigans are slightly smaller than their cousins, the red grouse, but are similar in shape.

“In the summer, the male bird is beautifully camouflaged in predominantly brown and black plumage with a white underbelly.

“The female is generally browner and lacks the black eye patch and red eyebrow of the male.

“In the winter the bird changes colour to pure white though the male still maintains the black eye patch.

“These birds are more likely to be heard with their endearing clicks and rasping croaks than seen but are relatively unfazed if you are lucky to come across one at close quarters.

“In Britain, they are only found in Scotland and very rarely below 2100 feet.

“They tend to be found in and around the scree and boulders that allow its camouflage to be highly effective.

“Ptarmigan families rarely move from their breeding sites but in severe weather may move further down to lower levels, although they may also go higher up if the snow has been blown off the high peaks.

“They breed in late April and May and lay between five and eight eggs with the young being able to fly in just seven days in exceptional circumstances.

“Ptarmigan feed on heather, bilberry and crowberry leaves and shoots as well as other Alpine flora although the young will eat insects.

“Look out for them if you are venturing out on the hills whether you are skiing or walking this weekend!”

I have always enjoyed watching these birds on my mountain walks