Ptarmagan

Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:17-18

Ptarmigans hold a special memory for me. Whilst in college, I did a research paper on these birds. That was back when students actually had to go to the library (of all places), and not their phones, to find information.

Like other grouse, Ptarmigan eat seeds, berries, insects, dried leaves, and soft young plants and buds in the spring. But unlike most birds, they have several adaptions to help them live in the cold arctic climates. Ptarmigans have feathers on their legs and feet to help them stay warm, and walk on the snow. They don’t roost in trees like many other birds, but often sleep in snowbanks, as the snow insulates them from harsh wind and frigid temperatures. They fly into the snowbank so they don’t leave tracks for predators to find.

But perhaps the coolest thing about the ptarmigan to me is that, like the snowshoe hare, it changes color from brown to white in the winter (see Snowshoe Hare). This is not only for camouflage, but the white color also helps conserve heat.

The above Scripture was written down by the prophet Isaiah, some seven hundred years before Christ. When God spoke through the prophet, He had him record what He would do by giving us His only Son Jesus to die on the cross and forgive our sins by washing them away with His blood. If you’re not sure how this works, please see Got God?

Have a great day.