Molting

We are studying feathers this week. While studying molting we read the fun fact that some birds actually get new winter colors when they molt. We immediately thought of the AK state bird the Ptarmigan.

The kids and I had taken a railway trip in the summer to Denali State Park. One of the animals we saw were these Ptarmigan.



We were so blessed to be given tickets to ride into Denali State Park in our OWN vehicle later in the year. They limit how many cars can do this a year. We went with Tracy and Darshia and the Moncrief family. We camped on the outskirts of the park on Friday night and spent all day Saturday driving through the park. It remains one of our favorite AK memories...great scenery…great company…great wildlife added up to a grand adventure!

Here’s a Ptarmigan in September – note the feather changes! He was turning white…..our text book pointed this out and we were excited to say “We’ve SEEN that”.