In winter snow white, in summer plumage
Rock ptarmigans have camouflage that helps them to blend in with their surroundings. In winter, rock ptarmigans are snow white. In its summer plumage, the bird is brownish grey, exactly the colour of the habitat.
You will have a good chance to see this Arctic species in the Kiilopää area, as long as you keep your eyes and ears open. The bird sometimes reveals its whereabouts with its distinct croaking voice.
Rock ptarmigans are slightly smaller than the closely related species, the grouse. However, the habitat reveals which of the two species is present, since the rock ptarmigan creaks above the tree line, whereas the grouse cackles and laughs below the tree line. Only when mother rock ptarmigan is brooding can the male rock ptarmigan descend close to the tree line. It will, however, return to its family later in the summer after spending "paternity leave" close to the tree line.
The Latin name of the rock ptarmigan is Lagopus muta. Lagopus refers to the genus and means rabbit foot. The feet of rock ptarmigan and grouse are completely covered in feathers. In winter, you can spot the tracks of these feather-covered feet in the snow.
Muta means mute, silent. This is not true in the case of the rock ptarmigan, as hikers may hear the creaking sound the bird makes. In summer, rock ptarmigans are fearless and may well be captured by the cameras of hikers.
Migratory birds and roaming bird
On the Rock Ptarmigan trail, we will also inform you about migratory birds that return to the fells to nest in early spring, as well as a roaming bird, the snowy owl.
The snowy owl is not a regular nesting species in the Urho Kekkonen National Park. Like other owls, it is a roaming species. Owls settle down to nest when there is enough food available.
Regardless of several good vole and lemming years, snowy owls have not settled down to nest in the Saariselkä Fell area. It is difficult to nest if you cannot find a spouse.
Very lucky hikers may see a snowy owl soar above this fell area, but were you to spot a nest it would be major news on the wildlife scene!
The occasional snowy owl has been seen sitting on the slope of Kiilopää. That, too, is big news and attracts birdwatchers. Catching a glimpse of this large white coloured owl is a memorable nature experience.
