WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN 205 
many occasions I have examined their craws and have 
usually found them stuffed with these willow buds. 
None of these examinations, however, has been made 
later than December. 
Of all our grouse the white-tailed ptarmigan is 
probably the one least exposed to persecution by man. 
No doubt some are killed by lynxes, martens and 
weasels, but on the whole its enemies must be few in 
number. 
