Ptarmigan

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Some animals which rely on camouflage to avoid being spotted by predators have a hard time trying to be invisible against a background of pure white January snow.  However ptarmigan have found a way around this problem.  They actually change their appearance to match the snow.

Ptarmigan are unusual in that they moult their feathers three times a year.  They have brown plumage in summer, grey in late summer and autumn, and white plumage in winter.  Another peculiarity of Ptarmigans is their feathered feet and legs.  These feathers help keep the birds warm in the often extremely cold conditions they have to endure.

Ptarmigan will sometimes allow you to get quite close to them if you are slow and quiet in your movements.  They prefer to run rather than fly (especially in winter), so it's sometimes possible to follow them to get a closer view.  On slopes it's best to stay below the level of the birds.  Approaching them from above will certainly make them more nervous and more likely to fly.

More info at: UK Safari Ptarmigan Fact File