Bird tracks in the snow on Mt. Rainier

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adamschneider
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Bird tracks in the snow on Mt. Rainier

Post by adamschneider » March 20th, 2018, 8:57 pm

Anyone know their bird tracks? I found these today above Paradise at about 7000'.

I'm guessing either ptarmigan (because they run around in the snow) or raven (because they're the only birds I saw all day).
bird tracks 1.jpg
bird tracks 2.jpg
bird tracks 3.jpg

Lurch
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Re: Bird tracks in the snow on Mt. Rainier

Post by Lurch » March 21st, 2018, 8:10 am

Judging by the walking gate (as opposed to hopping or skipping) I'd second the possibility of the ptarmagin, grouse or pheasant. Too small for turkey, not the right gait for crow (and missing the back toe of a perching bird)

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adamschneider
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Re: Bird tracks in the snow on Mt. Rainier

Post by adamschneider » March 21st, 2018, 8:40 am

I forgot about grouse. So I guess it was either a grouse or a ptarmigan. Not sure if there's any way to distinguish the two based on tracks...

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