SAIS Glencoe Blog

On the left number six gully with Diamond and Church Door buttresses centre and right

The Easterly aspect of Buachaille Etive Beag

Buachaille Etive Mor

From near the summit of Meall a Bhuiridh looking South-Westerly

Ben Nevis and the Mamores

Looking South from Meall a Bhuiridh … 

The ptarmigan blends in well. Ptarmigans have highly modified, thickly feathered feet which act as little snowshoes, meaning these birds can walk atop even the softest snow. Their legs are also feathered which helps to protect them from the cold. In severe weather, ptarmigans deploy an interesting skill to avoid being hit by the worst of the winter storms. Using their feet, they will dig down into the existing snow to create themselves a snug little ‘snow hole’ to shelter in.

It is a plump gamebird, slightly larger than a grey partridge. In summer, its a mixture of grey, brown and black above with white bellies and wings. In winter, it becomes totally white except for its tail and eye-patch, which remain black.It breeds in the highest mountains of the Highlands of Scotland on the Arctic like landscape there.