We report an observation of Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) encountered 8 to 17 km from the nearest shoreline on Kuskokwim Bay, Alaska, on 30 August 2003. The ptarmigan were observed flying, landing on our research vessel, and landing and taking off from the water surface. We also report on one other observation of ptarmigan sitting on the water surface and other marine observations of ptarmigan from the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database. These observations provide evidence that Willow Ptarmigan are capable of dispersing across large bodies of water and landing and taking off from the water surface.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Title | Offshore marine observation of Willow Ptarmigan, including water landings, Kuskokwim Bay, Alaska |
| DOI | 10.1676/04-074 |
| Authors | Christian E. Zimmerman, Nicola Hillgruber, Sean E. Burril, Michelle A. St. Peters, Jennifer D. Wetzel |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | The Wilson Bulletin |
| Index ID | 70028867 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Alaska Science Center |