Birds of Ivvavik National Park

Here are some of my better bird photos from this summer.

One of the first animals that we saw in the park once we arrived - a male Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) in winter plumage.

Ptarmigans of Ivvavik National Park

In Ivvavik National Park, the most frequently heard and seen bird is probably the ptarmigans. There are two species of ptarmigans in the park: the more common Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) and less common Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta).

In the beginning of the breeding season, it is quite common to see males clucking and flying around the field, and sometimes perching on treetops making its presence known.

Near our tent area, there was at least one male Willow Ptarmigan that liked to call out loudly while everyone was still asleep. For people that were not familiar with their calls, the sound was definitely weird and annoying (after a while). Click here to listen to their "nasal barking notes and rattles".