Nature – Page 2 – The Yellow Bird

Rocky Mountain Adventures!

Posted on August 6, 2025January 1, 2026 by Taylor Holmes

Come with me on an adventure through the Canadian Rockies!

Within this magnificent mountain range you can find stunning scenery, wondrous wildlife, fascinating fossils and so much more. This video will explore the history — both human and natural — of some of well-known spots throughout Canada’s Rocky and Columbia mountain ranges. We’ll explore 1.5 billion years of earth and human history, and how it all shaped the Rockies we see today.

Below is some additional information for your enjoyment and reference.

Indigenous Peoples

Long before Canada as we know it existed, Indigenous people inhabited this land. My country has incredible Indigenous cultural and linguistic diversity — which I try to touch on in my video.

However, while editing this project it became apparent that I refer to the same Indigenous groups using various names, both the traditional names (how these groups refer to themselves) and exonyms (names given to these groups by outsiders)… oops…

Below you can find a quick reference listing Indigenous groups from the areas visited, their various names, and some other information about the people.

*The list is organized by Treaty (or lack thereof), then alphabetized.

Indigenous Name

Additional Information

Cree

Treaty 6 & 7

The Cree are one of Canada largest First Nations macro communities, comprised of several smaller Cree First Nations that span much of Canada’s plains and boreal forests. In Alberta, Plains Cree (nêhiyawak/ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐘᐠ) and Woodland (nîhithaw/ᓃᐦᐃᖬᐘᐠ) Cree are the most predominant groups.

Cree languages are part of the Algonquin language family, and are incredibly diverse with five main dialects and several subdivisions. Spanning from Northwest Territories, to Alberta, to Labrador, Cree is the most widely spoken Indigenous language in Canada.

Îyârhe Nakoda

Treaty 7

Also known as the Nakoda (sometimes Nakota) or Stoneys. The Nakoda live in Western Canada and the United States, including Alberta, Saskatchewan and Montana. In Alberta there are three Nakoda Nations: Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

Nakoda is part of Siouan language family, and is linguistically related to Assiniboine, Dakota, Lakota and Osage (among others). For those curious, you can hear spoken Nakoda here.

Niitsitapi

Treaty 7

Also known as the Blackfoot Confederacy or Siksikaitsitapi. Comprised of the Siksiika, Piikani (Piegan), and Kainai (Blood) nations. The Niitstitapi live in the northwestern plains of North America, including Alberta and Montana.

The Niitsitapi speak a language known as Blackfoot, Niitsí’powahsin (ᖹᒧᐧᑲᖷᐦᓱᐡ), or Siksiká (ᓱᖽᐧᖿ), which has several dialects. Part of the Algonquin language family, Blackfoot is linguistically related to Cree, Anishinaabe, Shawnee and Mi’kmaq (among others).

Tsúùt’ínà

Treaty 7

The Tsúùt’ínà (formerly known as the Saahsi, Sarcee or Sarsi) is a First Nation located directly west of Calgary, Alberta.

The Tsúùt’ínà language (known as Tsúùt’ínà Gūnáhà) is part of Athabaskan language family, and is linguistically related to Dëne Sųłıné (Chipewyan), Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib), Tutchone, and Navajo (among others).

Ktunaxa

Negotiating Treaty

The Ktunaxa are also known as the Ksanka, Kootenay (Canada), or Kootenai (United States). Indigenous to Western Canada and the United States, Ktunaxa bands live in British Columbia, Idaho and Montana.

The Kutenai language is considered a language isolate, meaning it has no known linguistic relatives. There have been theories placing this language as part of a macro-Algonquin, or macro-Salishan language families, but these claims are not broadly accepted.

Secwépemc

Negotiating Treaty

The Secwépemc are also known as the Shuswap. This First Nation lives in the interior of British Columbia.

The traditional language, Secwepemctsín is part of the Salishan language family which also includes St’át’imcets (Lillooet), Nuxalk (Bella Coola), and Squamish (among others).

Sinixt

No signed treaty in Canada

Jay Treaty (United States)

The Sinixt are also known as the Sin-Aikst, Senijextee, or Arrow Lakes Band are a First Nation located primarily in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia, and eastern Washington. The Sinixt were declared “extinct” in 1956 by the Canadian government after decades of violent colonization. In April 2021, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized the Sinixt as a First Nation after a lengthy legal battle with members of the Sinixt nation.

The Sinixt dialect is on of several dialects of Colville-Okanagan language. It is also part of the broader Salishan language family, alongside Secwepemctsín and other languages.

Syilx

No signed treaty in Canada

The Syilx people are also known as the Okanagan, Okinagan, or Suknaqinx. Their traditional territory spans the Canada–United States border, and live in what is now British Columbia and Washington.

The Syilx language is known as Nsyilxn. Like the Sinixt dialect, Nsyilxn is one of several dialects of Colville-Okanagan language. It is also part of the broader Salishan language family, alongside Secwepemctsín, Syilx and other languages.

Mount Rundle Thrust Fault

Typically, rock layers form on top of one another, which means the lower layers are older than the upper layers — but not Mount Rundle!

Mount Rundle is a type of rock formation known as a thrust fault. Thrust faults occur when the Earth’s crust breaks, and older rock layers and thrust above newer layers of rock.

Millions of years ago, the Rockies we see today didn’t exist. The area that is now Banff National Park was the bottom of a shallow sea filled with corals, clams and other small invertebrates.

During the formation of the Rockies, powerful tectonic forces raised, rippled and eventually split the rock layers forming the Mount Rundle Thrust Fault at the base of the mountain.

Shallow Seas

Mount Rundle, like the rest of the Rockies, was once the bottom of a shallow sea and relatively flat.

Tectonic movement

As the Pacific plate began to thrust under the North American plate, the formerly flat seabed begins to buckle and raise.

Movement Continues

The crust continues to move and fold as tectonic plates move.

Layers Folding

As the earth continues to buckle and bend, the Earth's layers begin to fold over each other.

Crust Breaks

Eventually the force grows to be too much, and the crust snaps! This creates a fault, or a break in the Earth's crust at the base of Mount Rundle

Thrust Above

Despite the crust breaking, the earth keeps moving, thrusting rock upward and over itself.

Erosion Reveals

Over millions of years the upper layers of rock are weathered away. In the case of Mount Rundle, much older rock is exposed at the top of the mountain than the base.

As a result of Mount Rundle Thrust Fault, the rocks at the peak of Mount Rundle are between ~200-300 million years older than the rocks at the base of the mountains!

Mount Rundle Rock Layers:

*Listed from youngest to oldest*

Kootenay Formation

161.2-65.5 million years ago (Cretaceous Period)

Fernie Formation

199.6-145.5 million years ago (Jurassic Period)

Livingstone Formation

359.2-328.3 million years ago (Carboniferous Period)

Banff Formation

362.3-345.3 million years ago (Carboniferous Period)

Upper Devonian

370.0-365.0 million years ago (Devonian Period)

Citations

What are Chinook Winds?

February 28, 2026 No Comments

Chinook winds are a fascinating phenomenon experienced in the eastern Rocky Mountains and western Canadian Prairies and Great Plains. Learn about their formation, effects, and

Backyard Friends: Black-capped Chickadee

January 17, 2026 No Comments

The Backyard Friends is a series about animal pals that you might find in your backyard. No matter where we are, we are a part

New Year Update!

January 1, 2026 No Comments

We have started the new year, so I thought it would be a good time to give a little update on both my website and

Category: NatureTravel

Canada’s Hidden Rainforest: Giant Cedars Boardwalk

Posted on April 1, 2025January 1, 2026 by Taylor Holmes

In the Columbia Mountains lies Mount Revelstoke National Park, home to one of the world’s only Inland Temperate Rainforests (the other two are located in southern Siberia and Russia’s far east). This unique ecosystem is home to hundreds of species, and is one of the most productive and biodiverse regions in Canada.

In my latest video, I explore the Giant Cedars Boardwalk, and old-growth rainforest in Mount Revelstoke National Park. This boardwalk takes you through the old growth, where you can see 500 year-old western red cedars and dozens of species of animals and fungus.

Below is more information about the Inland Temperate Rainforest, and the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail. You can find a list highlighting various species found in the ecosystem, as well as directions to the Giant Cedars Boardwalk and information about the hike.

Flora, Fauna & Fungi

The Inland Temperate Rainforest is home to hundreds of species. Below is a selection of some of the species found in the rainforest for reference, but note that the list is incomplete.

Flora

Trees:

Western redcedar (Thuja plicata)
Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia)
Subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa)
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Ferns:

Oak fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris)
Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

Other plants:

Devil’s club (Oplopanax horridus)
Mountain boxwood (Pachistima myrsinites)
Oval-leafed blueberry (Vaccinium ovalifolium)
Queen’s cup (Clintonia uniflora)
Fen orchid (Liparis loeselii)*
Pale bladderwort (Utricularia ochroleuca)*
Mountain moonwort (Botrychium montanum)*

Fauna

Large Mammals:

Mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou)*
Moose (Alces alces)
Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)
Black bear (Ursus americanus)
Wolverine (Gulo gulo)

Small Mammals:

Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis)*
Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus)*
Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)
Southern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi)

Fungi

Mushrooms & Truffles:

Devil’s tooth (Hydnellum peckii)
Truffles (Tuber spp.)
Phaeocollybia piceae

Lichen:

Cryptic paw lichen (Nephroma occultum)*
Pertusaria diluta

In 2007 researchers discovered thirteen tree-dwelling lichen species previously unknown to science in British Columbia’s inland rainforest.

Birds:

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Chestnut-backed chickadee (Poecile rufescens)
Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
Pine siskin (Spinus pinus)

*indicates the species is listed by COSEWIC or the IUCN as at-risk, threatened or endangered.

Hiking Notes:

*Note: When I visited the trail in October 2024, part of the path was closed due to a fallen tree*

Total Distance: 500m (0.31 miles)

Elevation Gain: 28m (91 feet)

The trail is beginner and family friendly. The path comprised of a wooden boardwalk with stairs, with several benches to rest along the way.

Gallery:

Citations

What are Chinook Winds?

February 28, 2026 No Comments

Chinook winds are a fascinating phenomenon experienced in the eastern Rocky Mountains and western Canadian Prairies and Great Plains. Learn about their formation, effects, and

Backyard Friends: Black-capped Chickadee

January 17, 2026 No Comments

The Backyard Friends is a series about animal pals that you might find in your backyard. No matter where we are, we are a part

New Year Update!

January 1, 2026 No Comments

We have started the new year, so I thought it would be a good time to give a little update on both my website and

Category: NatureTravel

Exploring Iceland

Posted on July 2, 2024December 6, 2025 by Taylor Holmes

Exploring Iceland | History, Nature & Magic!

Exploring Iceland is a video project showcasing some of Iceland’s famous and noteworthy sights, delving into history, folklore, science, witchcraft, and more! Learn about more than a thousand years of human history on this remote North Atlantic island, as well as the unique natural history of the land of fire and ice!

Full video will be available July 3, 2024 at 9:00am (MT)!

Below are some of the extra photos and notes from my trip in October. Enjoy!

Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja is an Evangelical-Lutheran church in the heart of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. The church was designed by famous Icelandic architect Guðjon Samuelsson, and it’s meant to resemble Iceland’s basalt cliffs. This church is a marvel, once can’t help but be moved when standing beside or within the stark and towering monolith.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is spectacular on so many levels. It’s a rift valley, which means that the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling, ripping away from each other at Þingvellir – creating the stunning gorges and valleys throughout the region. Most rifts occur along the sea floor, in the depths away from view, but this is one of the few places on Earth where a rift can be seen and visited without a submarine (The Great Rift Valley in Africa is another).

In addition to a fascinating natural history, Þingvellir is also a very important place for Iceland’s history and culture. Þingvellir is Icelandic for “Assembly Plains,” and it was here that Iceland’s parliament – the Alþing – convened annually from its establishment in 930 until 1798.

The Alþing was far more than a mere meeting for government. Icelandic Sagas mention beer brewers, food sellers, sword sharpeners and even clowns congregating. The area became a temporary capital of the country during the Alþing, and in many ways Þingvellir laid the foundation for Icelandic culture, language and literature.

Westfjords

The Westfjords in are Iceland’s least populated and least visited region, but it is home to breathtaking and pristine, untouched wilderness. The drive takes you along Iceland’s northwest coast, and meanders in and out of stunning fjords along the way.

One interesting building I came across while in the Westfjords was this out-of-place castle, called Arngerðareyri. Trading began in the region in 1884, but the famous “castle”, known locally as Kastalinn, built in 1929 for a manager of a trading company. Who wouldn’t want to build themself a castle at the mouth of a remote, peaceful Icelandic fjord… I sure do!

One region in the Westfjords, Strandir, is famous for its long history of witchcraft. In addition to the wonderful and fascinating Holmavík Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft (Which is a must-see if folklore and history are an interest!), there is also Kotbýli kuklarans, the Sorcerer’s Cottage. This turf house is a recreation of what a Sorcerer’s cottage might have looked like during the 17th century Icelandic witch hunts, and consists of 3 connected turf houses made from stones and driftwood according to traditional methods.

People in Iceland have lived in turf houses since the island was settled around the year 874CE, and the practice continued until 1966. Inside this turf house one can find different objects, reproductions of what might have been in an Icelander’s home 400 years ago. A hearth for cooking (and perhaps concocting potions?). Seal pelts and sheep skins for bedding to keep warm on the cold Arctic nights. Bones from whales and livestock animals, which bored children once pretended were animals or whatever else they could imagine.

Waterfalls

Iceland is famous for its many gorge-ous waterfalls. Of the thousands of waterfalls in the country, I visited three of the more well-known ones: Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss

Disclaimers and Notes:

All images in the blog post are mine. Most of the footage used in the video was captured on a trip to Iceland in October 2023, all other images are credited at the bottom of the page.
Why did I include International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) in my video: I like it.

Citations:

“Welcome to Hallgrímskirkja.” (N.D). Hallgrímskirkja. https://www.hallgrimskirkja.is/en. Accessed April 26, 2024.
“Hallgrímskirkja church.” (N.D.). Visit Reykjavik. https://visitreykjavik.is/service/hallgrimskirkja-church. Accessed April 26, 2024
“Hallgrímskirkja: A tribute to all that is Iceland.” (N.D.). Your Friend in Reykjavík. https://yourfriendinreykjavik.com/hallgrimskirkja-a-tribute-to-all-that-is-iceland/ Accessed April 26, 2024.
“Hallgrímskirkja: The Reykjavik Church.” (2021). Iceland Dream. https://www.iceland-dream.com/guide/west/reykjavik/hallgrimskirkja. Accessed April 26, 2024.
Ramon, C. (2017). “Traditional Designs of Lutheran Churches.” Classroom. https://classroom.synonym.com/traditional-designs-of-lutheran-churches-12086526.html#google_vignette. Accessed April 26, 2024.
Wallace, B. (2018). “Leif Eriksson.” The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/leif-ericsson. Accessed April 26, 2024.
“Is the Blue Lagoon a Wonder of the World?” (2019). Blue Lagoon Iceland. https://www.bluelagoon.com/stories/is-the-blue-lagoon-a-wonder-of-the-world. Accessed April 26, 2024.
“Our Story.” (N.D.). Blue Lagoon Iceland. https://www.bluelagoon.com/about/our-story. Accessed April 26, 2024.
“History.” (N.D.). Héraðsskólinn Historic Guesthouse. https://heradsskolinn.is/history/. Accessed April 27, 2024.
“Lögberg – Law Rock.” (N.D.). Thingvellir National Park. https://www.thingvellir.is/en/education/history/loegberg-law-rock/. Accessed April 27, 2024.
“Centre of Social Life.” (N.D.). Thingvellir National Park. https://www.thingvellir.is/en/education/history/centre-of-social-life/. Accessed April 27, 2024.
“Thingvellir National Park.” (N.D.). Visit Iceland. https://www.visiticeland.com/article/thingvellir. Accessed April 27, 2024.
“Þingvellir National Park.” (2011). UNESCO World Heritage Convention. https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5588/. Accessed April 27, 2024.
“Christianity.” (N.D.). Thingvellir National Park. https://www.thingvellir.is/en/education/history/christianity/. Accessed April 27, 2024.
Sign at Thingvellir National Park. (N.D.). Thingvellir National Park, Iceland.
“History of Gullfoss.” (N.D.). Gullfoss. https://gullfoss.is/history-of-gullfoss/. Accessed April 27, 2024.
“Gullfoss waterfall.” (N.D.). Visit South Iceland. https://www.south.is/en/place/gullfoss-waterfall. Accessed April 27, 2024.
“The Mighty Geyser.” (N.D.). Guide to Iceland. https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/strokkur Accessed April 27, 2024.
Ragnasdóttir, R. (N.D.). “The spectacular Geysir Geothermal Area – Strokkur and all the other Hot Springs.” Guide to Iceland. https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/the-extraordinary-geysir-geothermal-area-strokkur-and-all-the-other-hot-pots-in-south-iceland. Accessed April 27, 2024.
“Geysir Iceland Travel Guide.” (N.D.). Iceland Like a Local. https://www.iceland-like-a-local.com/travel-guide/what-to-do/geysir#:~:text=%E2%80%93%20Not%20far%20from%20here%20is,the%20silica%20within%20the%20water. Accessed April 27, 2024.
“The Regions – The Westfjords.” (N.D.). Visit Iceland. https://www.visiticeland.com/the-regions/the-westfjords. Accessed April 27, 2024.
“Historical Context.” (N.D.). Galdradýningin á Holmavík. https://galdrasyning.is/en/annalar/. Accessed April 27, 2024.
“Magical Staves.” (N.D.). Galdradýningin á Holmavík. https://galdrasyning.is/en/galdrastafir/. Accessed April 29, 2024.
“Grimoires.” (N.D.). Galdradýningin á Holmavík. https://galdrasyning.is/en/galdraskraedur/. Accessed April 29, 2024.
Ragnasdóttir, R. (N.D.). “A List of the beautiful Icelandic Turf Houses I have visited on my Travels in Iceland.” Guide to Iceland. https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/a-list-of-the-beautiful-icelandic-turf-houses-the-inheritance-of-generations-past. Accessed April 29, 2024.
Rafnsson, M. (2021). “Tvær galdraskræður – Two Icelandic Books of Magic.” Galdradýningin á Holmavík. ISBN: 978-9979-9584-5-1 (Available for purchase HERE). Accessed May 20, 2024.
Koeijer, B. (N.D.). “Witch hunts and the intersections of gender, age and class: A feminist analysis on the Western European witch hunts in the 16th and 17th century.” Linköping University. https://liu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1677355/FULLTEXT01.pdf. Accessed May 8, 2024.
Kayata, E. (2023). “What really happened during the Salem witch trials? Experts debunk five common misconceptions.” Northeastern Global News. https://news.northeastern.edu/2023/10/18/salem-witch-trials-history-truth/ Accessed May 20, 2024.
Durant, J. (2008) “Rowlands on Durrant, ‘Witchcraft, Gender and Society in Early Modern Germany.”’ H-HRE. https://networks.h-net.org/node/15337/reviews/15448/rowlands-durrant-witchcraft-gender-and-society-early-modern-germany#:~:text=The%20majority%20(80%20to%2085,hunts%20as%20a%20whole%20(p. Accessed May 20, 2024.
Stringer, M. (2015). “A War on Women? The Malleus Maleficarum and the Witch-Hunts in Early Modern Europe.” University of Mississippi eGrove. https://egrove.olemiss.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1722&context=hon_thesis Accessed May 20, 2024.
“Witch-hunts in Iceland.” (N.D.). Galdradýningin á Holmavík https://galdrasyning.is/en/galdrasagan/. Accessed May 8, 2024.
Lewsey, F. (2023). “Witchcraft accusations were an ‘occupational hazard’ for female workers in early modern England.” University of Cambridge. https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/witchcraft-work-women Accessed May 20, 2024.
Marshall, B. (2019). “Most witches were women, because witch hunts were all about persecuting the powerless.” The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/most-witches-are-women-because-witch-hunts-were-all-about-persecuting-the-powerless-125427#:~:text=Across%20New%20England%2C%20where%20witch,in%20New%20England%20were%20female. Accessed May 20, 2024.
“A True Legal Horror Story: The Laws Leading to the Salem Witch Trials.” (N.D.). New England Law – Boston. https://www.nesl.edu/blog/detail/a-true-legal-horror-story-the-laws-leading-to-the-salem-witch-trials#:~:text=Evidence%20points%20to%20several%20factors,Town%2C%20and%20the%20simmering%20tensions Accessed May 20, 2024.
Lewis, I., et. al. (2024). “Witchcraft – Witch Hunts, Superstition, Persecution.” Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/witchcraft/The-witch-hunts Accessed May 20, 2024.
“Early Modern witch trials.” (N.D.). The National Archives. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/early-modern-witch-trials/#:~:text=Somebody%20new%20to%20a%20community,looked%20to%20find%20a%20cause. Accessed May 20, 2024.
“What sort of people were accused of being witches?” (N.D.). BBC Bite Size. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z9y7m39#z48nydm Accessed May 20, 2024.
“Guðjon Samuelsson.” (N.D.). Architectuul. https://architectuul.com/architect/gudjon-samuelsson#:~:text=Notable%20designs%20include%20main%20building,which%20was%20commissioned%20in%201937. Accessed June 5, 2024.
Ragnarsdóttir, R. (N.D.). “The Mystical Sorcerer’s Cottage in Bjarnarfjörður in the Westfjords Region – Kotýli kuklarans.” Guide to Iceland. https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/the-mystical-sorcerer-s-cottage-in-bjarnarfjordur-in-the-westfjords-of-iceland Accessed May 3, 2024.
Ragnasdóttir, R. (N.D.). “The Old Tradition of Creating Stone Cairns in Iceland.” Guide to Iceland. https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/the-old-tradition-of-creating-stone-cairns-in-iceland-1. Accessed May 3, 2024.
“Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi.” (N.D.). Katla Geopark. https://www.katlageopark.com/geosites/mainly-geology/seljalandsfoss-and-gljufrabui/. Accessed May 4, 2024.
“Steinahellir.” (N.D.). Katla Geopark. https://www.katlageopark.com/geosites/geology-culture/steinahellir/. Accessed May 4, 2024.
“Steinahellir Cave.” (N.D.). Fun Iceland. https://www.funiceland.is/nature/caves/steinahellir/. Accessed May 4, 2024.
“Skógafoss.” (N.D.). Katla Geopark. https://www.katlageopark.com/geosites/geology-culture/skogafoss/. Accessed May 4, 2024.

Image Credits (in video):

Drone shots from thewarmpenguin.com
Hallgrimur Petersson (Unknown Illustrator, N.D., via Wikimedia Commons)
Guðjon Samuelsson (Íslenskur Arkitekt, N.D., via archinform.net)
Martin Luther (Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1529, via Wikimedia Commons)
Alþing building (Ziko van Dijk, 2017, via Wikimedia Commons)
Iceland Volcano (Video: Gyfli, 2023, via Pixabay)
Map of Europe 1706 (Daniel de Lafeuille, 1706, via Wikimedia Commons)

Category: HistoryNatureTravel

Backyard Friends: The Ptarmigan

Posted on April 22, 2024January 2, 2026 by Taylor Holmes

Overview

Ptarmigans are a genus of birds related to grouse, chickens, turkeys and pheasants (10). There are three species of ptarmigan, each with several subspecies: the willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), the rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) and the white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura).

The scientific name Lagopus comes from Greek and means rabbit footed (5). This refers to the ptarmigan’s distinctive feathery feet which act as snowshoes to help them walk on soft snow. The word “ptarmigan” comes from the Scottish Gaelic “tàrmachan” and its first recorded use dates back to 1599 (12). The name means “croaker” or “grumbler” in Gaelic, a reference to the birds’ vocalizations. The silent P was added to the word in the late 17th century when an ornithologist incorrectly assumed the words origin was Greek, like pterodactyl (2). The 17th century ornithologist’s assumption was wrong, but their error has stuck.

Description

All ptarmigan species have distinctive feathery feet, which differentiate them from other grouse (11). The extra feathers act like snowshoes, helping the ptarmigan walk on soft snow during the winter time. Most species of ptarmigan have distinctive seasonal plumages, often turning white in the winter time to camouflage with their environment. One exception to this is the Red Grouse from the UK, which retains its reddish-brown plumage in the wintertime.

The males of two species, the rock and willow ptarmigan, may have bright red combs above their eyes, which make them easy to identify (11).

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)

Common Names: Alaska ptarmigan, Alexander ptarmigan, Allen ptarmigan, Arctic grouse, red grouse (found in Scotland), Scottish grouse, white grouse, white-shafted ptarmigan, willow grouse, willow partridge and willow ptarmigan (9).

Conservation Status: Least Concern (populations declining gloabally).

Habitat

Primarily subalpine and subarctic zones. In the summer, they can be found in areas with lush vegetation, such as arctic valleys, marshy tundra, coastal regions and forested areas — especially those with willow (Salix) and birch (Betula) shrubs (9). In the wintertime these ptarmigan seek more protected areas, often moving further into valleys or more densely vegetated areas within their range. In some areas, females and juveniles tend to move into boreal forests, while males remain in more open habitats.

Diet

Summer: Willow ptarmigan eat a variety of different foods (9). This includes willow buds, grass shoots, flowers, seeds, berries, insects, caterpillars and beetles.
Winter: Willow buds and twigs are the primary food source for willow ptarmigan in the winter. The amount of berries, seeds and plant buds eaten increases in the winter, when insects are not available.

Predators

Hooded crows, ravens, magpies, red foxes, pine Martens, mink, short-tailed weasels, least weasels, gulls, northern harriers, golden eagles, bald eagles, rough legged hawks, gyrfalcons, peregrine falcons, northern goshawks, snowy owls, wolverine, wolves, arctic foxes, lynx and polar bears.

The ptarmigan is also a vital food source for people in for northern communities across the bird’s range.

Behaviour

To conserve energy, these birds walk or run instead of fly most of the time (though they can fly) (9).
Willow ptarmigan bathe in dust, sand or snow.
Willow ptarmigan have many different courtship displays, most of these behaviours are displayed by males.

Subspecies Highlight: Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica)

The Red Grouse is a subspecies of Willow Ptarmigan native to the United Kingdom. What makes this subspecies stand out is that unlike other Willow Ptarmigan, the Red Grouse’s plumage does not turn white in the winter. The white winter plumages most ptarmigan display help these birds blend into snowy environments. The Red Grouse’s plumage stays a reddish-brown, since this species lives in milder, maritime climate with less snow than its relatives.

Common Names: Scottish Grouse,

Range: Scotland, Ireland and Northern England.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Habitat: Heather moorlands (15)

Diet: Heather makes up the vast majority of the Red Grouse’s diet. In the winter, 95 per cent of the Red Grouses diet consists of heather.

Predators: Red foxes, wildcats, golden eagles, buzzards.

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)

Common Names: Arctic grouse, barren-ground bird, rocker, snow grouse, and white grouse (3). Aqiggaq in Inuktitut (1). Called the “Thunderbird” in Japan, because of its tendency to dwell in mountainous territory with frequent storms (3).

Conservation Status: Least Concern (population declining globally)

Habitat

Subarctic grasslands and tundra. In the summer, males choose areas with lots of rocky outlooks and sparse vegetation (3). Females often nest on rocky outcrops with little vegetation. In the winter time females seek more cover.

Diet

Adult rock ptarmigan are almost exclusively vegetarian, chicks feed on insects and spider (3).

Summer: blueberries, horsetails, crowberries, mountain avens, and sedges.
Winter: Buds, twigs and catkins — particularly willow and birch.

Predators

Gyrfalcons and other raptors are major predators of the rock ptarmigan (4). The rock ptarmigan is also a vital food source for people in the North including the Inuit.

White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura)

Conservation Status: Least Concern (populations declining gloabally) (7).

Habitat

Boreal forests and rocky areas (7). This species inhabits harsh, alpine tundra where willow (Salix) is abundant (4). In the summer these ptarmigans nest in areas above the tree line and near water such as stream heads or springs.

Diet

Winter: Willow (Salix) plants are a vital food source for the white-tailed ptarmigan in the winter, when willow buds and twigs make up the bulk of its diet. (4)
Summer: The white-tailed ptarmigan’s diet is more varied in summer. Their summer diet consists of willow buds and leaves, flowers, lichen and insects.

Predators

Raptors, foxes.

Glossary

Alpine: Mountainous environments that are above the tree line.

Subalpine: Mountainous habitats that are just below tree line.

Arctic: The Northernmost region on Earth which includes and surround the Arctic Circle. Mathematically the Arctic is anywhere North of the 66 degrees latitude, however there is some deviation from this boundary in terms of terrain (some “arctic habitats” are just below the Arctic Circle).

Subarctic: Environments near, but south of the Arctic Circle.

Camouflage: Patterns or colourations that help an organism blend into its environment, typically used to avoid being seen by predators.

Courtship: Behaviours performed by animals to attract a mate. This can include dances and dances.

Moorlands: Open, hilly areas characterized by a lack of trees. This habitat is found in temperate regions and often contains grasses, shrubs, heather and other low-growing vegetation.

Plumage: The term referring to a bird’s feathers collectively, and the patterns they show.

Tundra: The coldest ecosystem on the planet, found around the Arctic in North America, Europe and Asia. Found just below the icecaps, tundra is characterized by a permanently frozen layer of soil, called permafrost, and a lack of trees.

Citations

“Animal Facts: Rock Ptarmigan.” (2023). Canadian Geographic. https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/animal-facts-rock-ptarmigan/. Accessed April 1, 2024
Barber, K. “Why is there a silent p in ptarmigan?” (2013). Wordlady. https://katherinebarber.blogspot.com/2013/04/why-is-there-silent-p-in-ptarmigan.html. Accessed April 11, 2024
Hejna, M. “Lagopus muta” (2002). Animal Diversity Web. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lagopus_muta/. Accessed March 30, 2024
Hitztaler, S. “Lagopus leucura.” (2001). Animal Diversity Web. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lagopus_leucura/. Accessed March 30, 2024
“Lagopus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Lagopus. Accessed March 28, 2024
“Lagopus lagopus (Willow Grouse).” (2016). IUCN Red List. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22679460/89520690#bibliography. Accessed March 30, 2024
“Lagopus leucura (White-tailed Ptarmigan).” (2019). IUCN Red List. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22679473/138960091. Accessed March 30, 2024
“Lagopus muta (Rock Ptarmigan).” (2016). IUCN Red List. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22679464/113623562#geographic-range. Accessed March 30, 2024
Morland, S. “Lagopus lagopus.” (2011). Animal Diversity Web. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lagopus_lagopus/. Accessed March 30, 2024
“Pheasants, partridges and falcons.” (2024). IOC World Bird List, v14.1. https://www.worldbirdnames.org/bow/pheasants/. Accessed March 28, 2024
“Ptarmigan.” (1994). Hinterland Who’s Who. https://www.hww.ca/en/wildlife/birds/ptarmigan.html. Accessed March 28, 2024
“Ptarmigan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ptarmigan. Accessed March 30, 2024
“Reconsidering Alaska’s State Bird: Ptarmigan vs. Raven.” (2005). Laura Erickson’s for the Birds. https://www.lauraerickson.com/radio/program/10060/reconsidering-alaskas-state-bird-ptarmigan-vs-raven/#:~:text=But%20as%20wonderful%20as%20the,of%20anything%20to%20avoid%20danger.. Accessed March 30, 2024
“Willow Ptarmigan Overview.” All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Willow_Ptarmigan/overview#. Accessed March 30, 2024
“Red Grouse.” (N.D), British Trust for Ornithology. https://www.bto.org/understanding-birds/birdfacts/red-grouse#. Accessed April 21, 2024.

Category: Backyard FriendsNature

Bat Month 2023: Little Brown Bat Colouring Sheet

Posted on October 18, 2023January 2, 2026 by Taylor Holmes

Happy Bat Month!

Happy Bat Month! This Bat Month the focus has been on a common North American species, and personal favourite, the little brown bat (Scientific name: Myotis lucifugus). This an illustration I made featuring the Little Brown Bat and I thought some people might enjoy having a version they can print off and colour.

Don’t forget to check out my Bat Week/Month YouTube playlist on my channel for a whole bunch of fun, bat-themed content!

Printable

Find the printable PDF below! For those curious, the illustration was made using Procreate. The reference image was taken by Ann Froschauer/USFWS. The little guy/gal looks utterly affronted by concept of being handled by a biologist, and it’s adorable 🙂

Downloading Instructions

1. Right click on the image below

2. Select ‘download’ or ‘save as.’

3. All Done! Now you can print off and colour!

✨ Edit from the Future ✨

As part of Bat Week 2025, I made this playful little short showcasing a selection of my favourite disgruntled-bats-being-handled-by-researchers.

If you like the above colouring page, you’re sure to enjoy this silly video!

Note

I probably don’t have to say this but just to be clear: DO NOT HANDLE BATS/WILDLIFE. Those shown in the videos are trained professionals. Handling wildlife has the potential to harm both the animal and the person.

Category: Backyard FriendsBat MonthNaturePrintout

Indigenous Peoples

Mount Rundle Thrust Fault

Mount Rundle Rock Layers:

Read more:

Flora, Fauna & Fungi

Flora

Fauna

Fungi

Hiking Notes:

Gallery:

Read more:

Exploring Iceland | History, Nature & Magic!

Hallgrímskirkja

Þingvellir National Park

Westfjords

Waterfalls

Citations:

Image Credits (in video):

Table of Contents

Overview

Description

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)

Habitat

Diet

Predators

Behaviour

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)

Habitat

Diet

Predators

White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura)

Habitat

Diet

Predators

Glossary

Citations

Happy Bat Month!

Printable

Downloading Instructions

✨ Edit from the Future ✨

Note

Read More