Walkers asked for help spotting Ptarmigan

The National Trust for Scotland is asking walkers in the Goatfell area of Arran and Ben Lomond to report sightings of Ptarmigan. The Trust’s most recent survey suggests that Ptarmigan may not have bred on Arran this year, leaving Ben Lomond as the most southerly breeding location for this rare bird. The Trust says that climate change is likely to be a factor.

The Ptarmigan population on Arran has fluctuated in the past – a survey in 1981 confirmed 28 birds, however, information from the late 1960s suggested a similar situation to 2008 – if the birds are present at all, there are very few of them.

Mr Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Adviser at the Trust said, “Ptarmigan were found to be breeding on most of our mountains, which is good news. However, on Arran, very intensive survey work, sometimes with dogs, found no live bird sightings. The public have reported the odd sighting so we know they are still on Arran but whether they bred in 2008 is another matter. This is a marked change from 1981, when 28 birds, including chicks, were seen in one season.

Ben Lomond and Goatfell are excellent places to see if changing weather patterns will affect the Ptarmigan. If predictions about climate change are correct, it is possible that the birds may disappear from Ben Lomond over the coming years.

Concern over the long-term fate of the Ptarmigan population in many upland locations due to the possible effects of climate change and changes in land management led the Trust to seriously consider a long term plan to closely monitor the Ptarmigan and other upland birds on its mountain properties.

The reasons for the changes will be the subject of further monitoring and examination by the Trust and conservation experts are working with the BTO to develop the best methods for doing this important work.

Lindsay Mackinlay explained, “We know that Ptarmigan populations can be cyclical but sightings of this hardy bird have been few and far between on Arran, and especially Goatfell, for a number of years now. This change could be down to a number of factors; it could be part of a long-term natural cycle and we’re in a trough at the moment or it could be something more serious relating to the health of the mountains or even a changing climate. We need to do more work on Arran to understand what is going on.

We hope that more birds will be seen on Arran in the future and we would ask anyone walking on Arran, Ben Lomond or any of the Trust’s mountains to get in touch with us this year if you do see Ptarmigan. Such information is essential if we are to get to grips with what is going on with our Ptarmigan.”