I have been reading with interest the postings on Ptarmigans at relatively
low elevations.

A number of years ago, I was treated to a small flock of White-tailed
Ptarmigan on Vancouver Island, B.C., not only at very low elevation, but
also during the summer. The location was on a logging road along Trent
River, south of Courtenay, V.I., at an elevation of probably less than 200
ft. The habitat was second growth Douglas Fir with deciduous mix - the kind
of habitat where you would expect Ruffed Grouse. I am quite sure that they
were not partially albino grouse. I have seen Ptarmigan at low elevation in
Alaska, but never before or since at such low altitude this far south,
particularly during summer months.

I have always thought this a most odd siting. Has anyone else seen
Ptarmigan, either summer or winter, at such low altitude?

Dave Nunnallee
dnun461 at ecy.wa.gov
Bellevue, WA