38 BIRDS OF LOCH AND MOUNTAIN 



wind blows the ridges bare of snow, thus allowing 

 the birds clear feeding ground. 



The Ptarmigan are, I believe, the only birds 

 that have four moults in the year in spring, 



PTARMIGAN'S NEST AND EGGS. 



summer, autumn, and winter. From November 

 till well on in April their plumage is of a spotless 

 white, while during the summer they seem of 

 a lichen-grey until taking wing, when their white 

 wings give them a charming appearance. I noticed 

 last April, while ascending Ben Muich Dhui (the 



