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Ptarmigan

Hands plucking white bird feathers on a snow bank

Photo: Collection of Culture & Wellness Department

Date:  March 2017

Ida Gilpin plucks a willow ptarmigan, known here as  ᐧᐋᐱᐦᔮᐤ (waapihyaau or white bird). In this photo you can see their tracks in the snow. The birds feed on willow buds and are abundant in winter.  Roasted in the oven, boiled, and served with dumplings or roasted over an open fire, they are always delicious.