Ptarmigans (grouse) in the garden with PHOTO

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Yorkshire Kris
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Ptarmigans (grouse) in the garden with PHOTO

Post by Yorkshire Kris »

Bet that title got you interested? :D

Two strange birds in the garden this morning. Looked a bit like female pheasants but with a stubby tail. What could they be? Alexa got a photo so I will add it later. It was very cold this morning so a ptarmigan would have been at home.
Last edited by Yorkshire Kris on Sun Sep 08, 2013 6:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Dave Brown
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Re: Ptarmigans in the garden?

Post by Dave Brown »

Don't think Ptarmigans are seen outside of Scotand are they ? A Grouse is more likely if you have heather moors nearby.
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Conifers
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Re: Ptarmigans in the garden?

Post by Conifers »

Bet they'll be Red-legged Partridges, refugees from some nearby shooting estate.
Dave Brown wrote:Don't think Ptarmigans are seen outside of Scotand are they ?
Nope, at least not since the Ice Ages! And only above about 600-800 metres in Scotland, too.
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Yorkshire Kris
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Re: Ptarmigans in the garden?

Post by Yorkshire Kris »

They were dull brown/grey like a female of the species.
call

Re: Ptarmigans in the garden?

Post by call »

yeah I thought your garden was just a teensy tiny bit to warm for them :wink:
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Re: Ptarmigans in the garden?

Post by Yorkshire Kris »

Ok I didn't really think they were ptarmigans but don't know what these two birds are?
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Re: Ptarmigans (grouse) in the garden with PHOTO

Post by Dave Brown »

There is also a Capercaillie, where the female is similar shape but with a longer tail, but the males are almost waist high and very aggressive. I'm sure if they were to take up residence in your garden you'd move out after a while. :lol:
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Re: Ptarmigans (grouse) in the garden with PHOTO

Post by call »

yeah they are grouse of some kind
btw nice alocasia :D
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Re: Ptarmigans in the garden?

Post by Conifers »

Yorkshire Kris wrote:Ok I didn't really think they were ptarmigans but don't know what these two birds are?
Pheasant poults - tails not grown yet!
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Re: Ptarmigans in the garden?

Post by Yorkshire Kris »

Conifers wrote:
Yorkshire Kris wrote:Ok I didn't really think they were ptarmigans but don't know what these two birds are?
Pheasant poults - tails not grown yet!

The consensus on Facebook was Red Grouse but as pheasants are very common round here you are probably right although I expected a tail.
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