Possible Willow Ptarmigan Sighting In Vermont

[Ptarmigan]

Willow Ptarmigan - Vermont
http://blog.aba.org/2014/05/abarare-willow-ptarmigan-vermont.html

When a Willow Ptarmigan was discovered in far upstate New York a couple weeks ago, I noted in the #ABArare post that it appeared to be only the second Lower 48 record in the last 100 years. I was actually incorrect on that. There are actually a very small handful of additional records and a couple unaccepted reports that paint a much more interesting picture of that far northern species than that seeming outlier would suggest.

As if to further confirm that pattern, another Willow Ptarmigan turned up this week, discovered by Mary Beth in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, this time. Pending confirmation this is the first record of this species for Vermont.

Another willow ptarmigan sighting in Vermont. This is the second willow ptarmigan sighting this year in the Lower 48, the first being in New York. The ptarmigans are mobilizing to fight the evil bunnies who are bent on destroying humanity.

[BlueStateSaint]

You've seen one, you've seen 'em all . . .

[miskie]

You've seen eaten one, you've seen eaten 'em all . . .

FIFY.   

[Ptarmigan]

You've seen eaten one, you've seen eaten 'em all . . .

This is not a foodie site. Foodie site is over there.

[BlueStateSaint]

FIFY.   

They all taste like chicken anyway . . . 

[Ptarmigan]

Off again – On again Ptarmigan
http://blog.timesunion.com/birding/on-again-off-again-ptarmigan/1708/

Back in April, word went out that someone found a Willow Ptarmigan on the Lake Ontario shoreline community of Point Peninsular, way up near Canada and the St. Lawrence River.

Of course there was lots of skepticism.

Ptarmigans are chicken-like Arctic birds, with a variety known from the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains. As a family, they are related to turkeys, grouse, partridges, pheasants, and chickens. The Willow Ptarmigan is found around the polar regions of the globe from northern Europe (including Scotland where they are known as “Red Grouse”) through Scandinavia, Russia, Siberia, and Alaska with another population down the Kamchatka Peninsular and onto the Kuril Islands. They are known to be sedentary, not leaving the vast bleakness, even in winter. Their family name in scientific terms is “*******” which means “**** foot” because of their snowshoe like features on their feathered feet, much like the Snowshoe ****, aka Varying ****. And like the Varying ****, ptarmigans change their colors from mostly all white in winter to mostly all brown in summer. That helps the birds hide in in the snow or tundra brush, as appropriate.

It has also come to my attention that this Upstate New York ptarmigan has been found dead.

NNYBirds: Point Peninsula ptarmigan found dead today
http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Mail/Northern_NY_Birds/1612044?year=2014

The ptarmigan was murdered and I have a long list of suspects.

Bugs Bunny


Peter Cottontail


Greg The Bunny


Buster Bunny


Trix Rabbit


There is an arrest warrant for all of them.

[BlueStateSaint]

It has also come to my attention that this Upstate New York ptarmigan has been found dead.

NNYBirds: Point Peninsula ptarmigan found dead today
http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Mail/Northern_NY_Birds/1612044?year=2014

Several . . . 'related' videos are in order.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHQLQ1Rc_Js[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZEtVbJT5c[/youtube]

I'm sure that there are others.

[SSG Snuggle Bunny]

Willow ptarmigan in Vermont

Bernie Sanders is senator from Vermont.

Mere coincidence?

I don't think so.

[Ptarmigan]

Willow ptarmigan in Vermont

Bernie Sanders is senator from Vermont.

Mere coincidence?

I don't think so.

Ptarmigans are not Communist.