Willow Ptarmigan
March 27th, 2007 by Stacy Jon Peterson
Ptarmigan are some of the classic grouse species of the “high country.” In southcentral Alaska, Willow Ptarmigan can actually be fairly easy to see and photograph with a little luck, expecially in winter. At that time of year they tend to congregate in flocks numbering well over 40 or 50, and are rather vocal. Of course, they are also in white winter plumage at this time of year, and hanging around in snow, so it’s a good thing they are making noise in large groups!
One of the best places to find this species in large numbers around the Anchorage area is a few miles north of town at the parking lots of Alpenglow Ski Area at the end of Arctic Valley Road. From Anchorage, travel north on the Glenn Highway, past Elmendorf AFB to Arctic Valley Road. Take this exit to the right and follow the road past the golf course, straight up the hill. Keep going to the very end!
If you’re coming from Wasilla / Palmer / Eagle River (ie., from the north), you’ll take the Fort Richardson Army Post / Arctic Valley Road exit. At the end of the offramp, turn left, go over the highway. STOP at the stop sign (northbound offramp traffic does not stop here), continue straight a few more feet and then veer right. Follow this road a mile or so until it vears left, merging with the Arctic Valley Road offramp of the northbound traffic on the Glenn Highway (confusing, I know, but it’s easy to see once you’re there). You’ll now head past the golf course…
At the end of the road you’ll see the ski area lodge and the mountain on the right, with two dirt parking lots on your left. There is a parking fee here (currently $5/car unless you have a Anchorage Ski Club membership, in which case parking is free if you place your membership card on your dash).
I might mention that your chances of seeing ptarmigan is best later in the season (February and March have proven very productive). Of course this is a time when skiers also are common! But fortunately (for birders / photographers) the ski hill is only operational on Saturdays and Sundays. If you can, visit this site on a weekday for best chances of viewing ptarmigan from the parking area.
Rock and white-tailed ptarmigans are also reported from this area, but all I’ve seen personally (so far) have been Willows. I’m told by local birder Liza Sanden that Rock Ptarmigan are usually above the tree & brush line on rocky, snow-free slopes.
The Willows will often be “teed” up in the brush alongside the road at the parking area (photo at left), or foraging all around the parking lot. At certain times they may simple be hunkered down under the brush, resting (lower photo above). Listen for their chicken-like clucks and calls if you don’t immediately see them. They can allow close approach on foot, but are especially calm if you shoot from your car.
Photographing ptarmigan in snow can be interesting — especially shooting white birds on a white background! You may need to play with your exposure settings, “overexposing” your photographs to pull out enough feather detail on the birds. I find that the “automatic” setting on my Canon 20D does surprisingly well, coupled with a very little amount of “post processing” of the digital image on the computer after the fact.
Good luck!