A white-tailed Ptarmigan hen (Lagopus leucura) moves among the alpine avens (yellow flowers) and tufted hair grass on the slopes below James Peak. Her mottled feathers provide excellent camouflage when among the rocks, but her constant clucking is a dead give away of her presence. I've often wondered why foxes and coyotes haven't consumed them into extinction.

The smallest of the North American grouse, white-tailed Ptarmigan are the only year-round resident of these alpine areas. Their plumage turns pure white in the winter, and feathers cover their legs and toes.

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Make:	SONY
Model:	ILCE-7M2
Exposure:	0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture:	f/9.0
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	200 mm
Lens:	FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS