Ptarmigan

Ptarmigan are very common in the Cairngorms, they are easy to spot with a bit of patience.
this female bird was pictured in August 2007

Below is more pictures of Ptarmigan (all male birds) also taken in the Cairngorm plateau, this time in June 2006
The top picture shows what an extremely well camouflaged bird Ptarmigan can be.

two longer range pictures taken in Eastern Knoydart with a "17 - 85 mm standard zoom" while out mountain walking.

All Photos Copyright Nigel Spencer