Willow Ptarmigan

Willow Ptarmigan by ricmcarthur
Willow Ptarmigan, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

A really rare treat for birders who were near Toronto Ontario this weekend and were able to get to the nuclear power station where this bird was seen.

Normally access to the plant area is not allowed, however, through the generosity of Ontario Power Generation, a special, one time visit was allowed.

About 150 birders had the opportunity to view the bird for about 3 minutes before it went back into the brush.

It is a male in summer plumage and has been at the plant since last Wednesday.

This is a bird that lives in the high arctic. The last confirmed sighting in this area was 125 years ago in 1886.

A real rarity.

Special thanks to Ontario Power Generation.

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