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Rare White Ptarmigan Spotted in Whitehorse Winter Count
11 Jan
Summary
- Four white-tailed ptarmigan, never before seen in Whitehorse's Christmas Bird Count, were sighted.
- The birds are rare in winter due to their camouflage and difficult-to-access alpine habitats.
- The annual bird count aids researchers in tracking populations and developing conservation strategies.
During the recent Christmas Bird Count, an unprecedented four white-tailed ptarmigan were sighted in Whitehorse, a first for the annual census. These high alpine birds are seldom seen in winter, as their white plumage blends seamlessly with the snow, and reaching their habitat requires challenging climbs in extreme cold.
The 125-year-old tradition, conducted between December 14 and January 5, serves as an early-winter bird census. Participants count birds within a 24-kilometre diameter, providing crucial data for tracking common and rare species. This information assists researchers in understanding population and habitat shifts, informing vital conservation strategies.
This year's count occurs amidst concerning reports, including a 28% decline in Arctic birds and a 42% drop in shorebirds, largely attributed to climate change impacting breeding grounds and food sources. Extreme weather fluctuations in the Yukon, with temperatures plummeting to -50 C, also pose significant threats to overwintering species.
