We haven’t seen many Chukars recently but yesterday we found a small covey feeding at the base of several rabbitbrush on the north end of Antelope Island.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
Most of them were pretty skittish but the sentry bird was standing watch on top of a snow-covered boulder as the rest of the birds slowly wandered away. The sentry posed for us for several minutes.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
It called out to the rest of the flock twice.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
Chukars are often reluctant to fly and prefer to scurry on the ground to safety. In an instant the bird accelerated up the rock…
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
and down the other side. It was really moving.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
In this last decent shot I got in the series, the bird appears to be sledding on top of the snow as much as it is running through it.
I really enjoy photographing Chukars in the snow this time of year. For much of the fall and early winter these birds are pretty scruffy looking but now their plumage appears bright and fresh again.
Ron
I like the first vertical shot, it’s so sharp.
Anthromorphism to the fore, I agree with you about that last shot, he does look to be sledding/sliding and would add that he looks to be enjoying himself. I love the mask – the phantom Chukar.
Thank you = and have a wonderful new year.
I have never seen a Chukar and probably never will, unless I make it up your way, and I will probably never do that either. But I can see them very well through your wonderful images, Ron.
To date, my only experience with a Chukar was with one brought into our wildlife hospital. I’ve never seen one in the wild, and these photos just blow my mind in terms of how lovely Chukars are, especially as contrasted with the snow.
Ingrid, Snow is my favorite setting for this species – especially when you can get them against a deep blue sky or the more subtle blues of the Great Salt Lake.
Gosh, these are so beautiful–its plumage is glorious in this light. I’ve never seen one with its neck so extended as in your last picture. I tend to think of them as rolly-polly, but I see they are not quite as round as I thought. Somehow, even though it’s “sledding” it manages to look elegant. What fun!
Sharon, You’re absolutely right. Sometimes these birds look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy and other times they look pretty sleek.
Beautiful!
Thanks, Teri.
How I LOVE these vicarious trips to Antelope Island! Thank you SO MUCH for the beauty and clarity of your photos, and your interesting commentary.
Janet, The island is my playground. I’m glad you enjoy coming along too…
Stunning shots of stunning birds!
Thanks very much, Charlotte. I got lucky to keep the bird in the frame for a few shots while it was running so fast. I clipped some body parts in a few other images. Frustrating…