Show Ptarmigan broods found On two separate trips in August Division of Wildlife Resources biologists loca located ted white tailed ptarmigan broods in the Uinta Mountains The find provides additional evidence that the ptarmigan which were transplanted from Colorado in June of 1976 are reproducing and expanding their range in the Earlier observations confirmed that production occurred last year DURING TilE THE second week of August biologists Clair Jensen and Jordan Pedersen hiked to the Painter Basin area where the ptarmigan had been released They found one brood and documented it with photographs One week later two more biologists worked the area with dogs in an effort to locate additional birds Phil Wagner and Jeff Grandison were successful in finding a total of 38 birds three single males and seven females with broods The broods averaged four chicks each Also in mid August Ralph Noble a Division pilot observed observed observed ob ob- ob- ob served a group of approximately approximately approximately ap ap- proximately 15 to 20 birds while flying over Painter Basin Upland Game Supervisor Darrell Nish said We are very much encouraged about the ptarmigans ptarmigan's future in the Although there are still many variables Involved in the thelong thelong thelong long range establishment of the bird as a permanent resident this springs spring's nesting activities activities' are a positive indication Urologists Biologists who traversed the area said there appear to be relatively large amounts of good ptarmigan habitat which are not being used d now meaning that there is ample room for ptarmigan to expand their population In addition there are other In the which would support the birds |