Willow ptarmigan a range of lower plant species. It is also believed that the greening of parts of the Arctic is affecting Willow Ptarmigan populations by altering the shape and size of the shrubs they are able to feed on. Male willow ptarmigans are territorial birds. Males arrive in the breeding areas and set up territories in April and May, aggressively defending them against male interlopers. When the females arrive a few weeks later, the male performs courtship displays such as aerial manoeuvres, strutting and tail-fanning. When she has chosen a mate and a nesting site, the female lays a clutch of
Winter Mountain and shortly afterwards, signed to Dillon and Lakemans fledgling label 'Charcoal Records'. Their debut album 'Winter Mountain', produced by Sam Lakeman and recorded at multiple vintage studios throughout the UK including Rockfields and State of the ark, was released in 2013 to much acclaim. Soon after the release Winter Mountain signed to Faber Music Publishing. Smyth left Winter Mountain in 2015. In the year that followed Francis travelled Ireland, The UK and France. Whilst on the road he wrote and demoed the songs that were to form Winter Mountains second album 'I Swear I Flew'. Upon his return to Cornwall