Laura Power
Northern News Services
Friday, April 27, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - A noon-hour educational walk on Monday about ptarmigan failed to turn up a single bird.

But the lack of ptarmigan does not signify a decline in the population, according to Bob Bromley, project director at Ecology North.

"We're at the peak of the cycle right now so our numbers are really high," said Bromley, who explained that the favorite meal of northern predators is migrating farther North.

"The 24th of April is the latest day we ever have a record of ptarmigans staying here so they should all be gone by now," he said.

The downtown walk led by Christa Domchek was one of several events celebrating Earth Week. Domchek said the walk introduced residents to the city's green space, plants and wildlife.

Hikers were led to a place commonly known as the sliding hill at 51A Avenue. On the rocky hill, Domchek pointed out signs that ptarmigan, various species of lichen and other plant life.

"You can see remnants of ptarmigan hangouts," she said, explaining that the birds reside in areas where there are suitable ice packs.

Domchek recently moved into the neighbourhood and was pleased to find an area near her new home which can accommodate such wildlife.

"I have just found this to be a great green space," she said. "I think it's important to spend more time in places like this that are so close in our city."