PTARMIGAN SHOOTING 
T he haunts of the Ptarmigan {Lagopus muius) are on those moun- 
tains which tower above the 2,000 feet level, and though in 
severe storms these hardy birds may descend a little lower, 
and also in the summer time may make an excursion to a 
neighbouring top, at a lower elevation, they soon return to 
their lofty solitudes, where utter desolation reigns around. The 
wild beauty of the scene is shared chiefly with the Peregrine falcon, the 
Raven, and the Golden eagle, all of which take toll of these companions 
of their solitude. In the summer time, however, the Blue hare may be 
found also sharing the tops, with an occasional old cock Grouse and 
Golden plover. 
Winter or summer the colour of the plumage so assimilates to the 
surroundings that it is a frequent occurrence, even to those experienced 
in the habits of Ptarmigan, suddenly to And a brood sitting close at hand, 
whose presence had been quite unsuspected. Ever fearful of danger in the 
air, they sit perfectly motionless, lest any movement on their part may 
betray them to the keen sight of their enemies — the Eagle and the Pere- 
grine falcon — soaring aloft. The Eagle will seize them on the ground as 
well as on the wing, but the Peregrine only strikes at a flying quarry. 
This is probably the reason of the tactics of Ptarmigan when once they 
rise into the air. With a wild rush they spring from the earth, and whirl 
outwards over the yawning abyss beneath, only to wheel suddenly back 
and follow the contour of the mountain until they alight. They do not 
usually fly very far, though the pace is very rapid for their short journey. 
Sometimes they go skimming along close to the ground without making 
any outward curve in their flight, this being generally the case when they 
happen to be close to the shoulder of the mountain when disturbed, 
especially when large rocks and boulders are scattered about in confusion, 
affording invaluable protection from the stoop of a falcon. In such cases 
the flight will be a very short one, and in all probability the brood will 
alight directly it is out of sight. 
The Ptarmigan is always a bird of moods, and especially on still 
calm days, will stand or walk about, flirting his tail, within five -and - 
twenty yards of the intruder, regarding him with curiosity, and unsus- 
picious of danger. At other times it is difficult for the shooter to get 
within range, and it is most provoking to see plenty of birds, and yet to keep 
stumbling along after them without any chance being afforded of getting 
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