Sutherland Ptarmigan 2

Same bird as my previous upload, this time from much closer. This has resulted in much reduced DoF.
These birds rarely come down below 2000 ft. Notice the feathers down the legs and over the feet which helps to keep the extremeties warm.
In the winter they turn completely white, except for black on the tail feathers. This photo was taken in spring just as the bird was changing colour from white to the mottled brown that they are in summer.
When approached they tend to run away rather than fly. They are about the same size as a grouse.

Thanks all for the great support on yesterdays upload.

Camera:	Canon EOS 5D
Lens:	Canon 100-400L
Recording media:	RAW (digital)

Title:	Sutherland Ptarmigan 2
Username:	Phil_Restan
Uploaded:	5 Feb 2009 - 7:16 AM
Tags:	Mountain bird, Ptarmigan, Sutherland, Wildlife / nature
Votes:	47