White-tailed ptarmigan cover. The white-tailed ptarmigan was introduced into the Sierra Nevada of California, Wallowa Mountains in Oregon, and Uinta Mountains of Utah in the 1970s. It may have been native here during the early Pleistocene but became locally extinct due to climate changes with greater snow-cover in spring impacting on its breeding season. Alternatively, it may have been unable to colonize the Sierra Nevada because of the barriers provided by the Columbia River and the Great Basin, and the low altitudes of the intervening South Cascades. This herbivorous bird's diet varies seasonally. Nitrogen-rich snow buttercup leaves are favored in the spring
Winter Mountain Winter Mountain Winter Mountain is the stage name of singer-songwriter Joseph 'Joe' Francis (Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Piano, Harmonica), based in Cornwall, UK. The brand of music is predominantly Indie Folk / Rock. He is becoming known for his songwriting abilities, high energy live performances and soulful voice. Initially a duo, Winter Mountain, (Francis and Irish songwriter Marty Smyth) toured the UK and Ireland extensively, becoming recognised for their close vocal harmonies (Similar in style to that of Simon and Garfunkel) and distinctive songwriting. They attracted the attention of many major record companies before signing to indie label 'Charcoal Records' in