The Mountaineering Council of Scotland

Issue 29 December 2005

GUEST ARTICLE Project Ptarmigan By Jacqui Kaye (BTO Scotland's Development and Fieldwork Co-ordinator) For many hill walkers in Scotland, the sighting of Ptarmigan is a highlight of a summer or winter walk in the mountains. Do these encounters happen less frequently? Are there fewer Ptarmigan in the hills? The British Trust for Ornithology are asking for help… The Ptarmigan is quite literally an arctic relic, confined to mountainous islands of wintry weather. As Britain's only truly montane bird, it is cleverly adapted to its mountain habitat. In common with the Mountain Hare, the Ptarmigan turns white in winter as camouflage in its snow-covered habitat – the only British bird to do so. The Ptarmigan's feather-clad legs are a further adaptation, protecting it against biting winds. When the ground is covered in snow, the hardy bird will dig underneath in order to reach the shoots and leaves of plants below. Ptarmigan occur widely across the Scottish Highlands and also on a few islands of the Hebrides and Clyde. They normally occur at altitudes over 750 metres, but in the far north-west they can be found as low as 200 metres. Despite the important ecological studies carried out on this species at a number of sites (largely by Dr Adam Watson), changes to the population and distribution of Ptarmigan across Scotland are not well understood. Worryingly, there appears to be some evidence that the Ptarmigan's range has contracted. It is becoming evermore important to understand Scotland's mountains and their wildlife, as they face a variety of potential threats including climate change. Ptarmigan are thought to be sensitive to these changes. The birds will therefore be a key indicator of the condition of our mountains, which are recognised as a high priority under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The BTO promotes bird conservation, by conducting high quality research. Volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life record wild birds using methods developed by BTO scientists. This work makes a vital contribution to bird conservation, by enabling both campaigners and decision-makers to set priorities and target resources. It also provides a unique insight into the state of our environment and how it may be changing. Through the efforts of BTO volunteers, the bird populations of the British Isles have been monitored more effectively and for longer than those of most other parts of the world. This has produced a uniquely rich and detailed body of scientific work and engaged thousands of people in 'hands on' conservation research. In addition to ensuring Scotland's birds are surveyed together with the rest of the nation's birds, BTO Scotland focuses on Scottish priorities, with its unique landscapes and wildlife. Volunteer birdwatchers count birds in a wide range of habitats, from gardens and farmland to windswept estuaries, in every season of the year, and some combine their love of the hills with their love of birds. However the remoteness of some of our upland areas makes it hard to find enough keen birdwatchers to count birds such as Ptarmigan, Wheatear, Snow Bunting and Ring Ouzel. So as well as finding out what is happening to the Ptarmigan and the areas they inhabit, another principal aim of Project Ptarmigan is to encourage and train new volunteers to take part in surveys in the Scottish uplands. The results of Project Ptarmigan will be used by BTO Scotland to develop a strategy for long-term monitoring of Ptarmigan and other montane species. This should give a clearer picture of the condition of specific mountain areas as well as helping to unravel the effects of various threats on Scotland's mountains and its wildlife. You do not need to be a birdwatcher to take part in Project Ptarmigan, as BTO Scotland will issue straightforward guidelines. The project simply asks walkers enjoying the high tops between April and August 2006 to look out for Ptarmigan and send their records to the BTO. Encountering a Ptarmigan is always a noteworthy experience; all you need to do is to make a note of these wonderful encounters with this charismatic Scottish bird. To get involved in Project Ptarmigan or for more information, please contact Jacqui Kaye, Development and Fieldwork Co-ordinator at BTO Scotland's offices in Stirling. Email: Jacqui.Kaye@bto.org or telephone 01786 466560. BTO Scotland would like to express their thanks to the AEB Trust and the Scottish Mountaineering Trust for funding the pilot fieldwork this year, and to the Scottish Executive (BAGS) for additional funding to allow the full volunteer survey programme to go ahead in 2006. Project Ptarmigan is a partnership project between BTO Scotland and the Scottish Ornithologists' Club.

Back to Newsletter index     next article

This page is part of the old website of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland. To visit the new website, click on www.mcofs.org.uk

[ Home ] [ News ] [ Safety and Training ] [ Access and Conservation ] [ Sports Development ] [ Council Matters ]
[ Search ] [ Info Service ] [ Membership ] [ Publications ] [ Links ]

© The Mountaineering Council of Scotland 2005