Female willow ptarmigan
Female willow ptarmigan camouflaged in the tundra. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 500mm f/4L IS w/1.4x (700mm), 1/125 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800
Camouflage is at the heart of this bird’s survival. The willow ptarmigan has many color morphs, depending on the season and the terrain in which it lives. In this case, the tundra is just awakening to spring, and the dull brown colors are a perfect match for her brown feathers. In the winter, this bird turns completely white to blend in with the snow. I was amazed at how well the bird blended into the surroundings. Soon she will have chicks hiding under her wings.
