Willow Ptarmigan in fall plumage, Alaska

The willow Ptarmigan is Alaska's state bird, and very common throughout much of the state.

This female, photographed here against fall color, is changing from summer to winter plumage. Willow Ptarmigan, Skolai Pass, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

Lagopus lagopus. Photo © copyright by Carl Donohue.

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