This Chukar was one of the most cooperative birds of any species I’ve photographed.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, not baited, set up or called in
In May of 2011 on Antelope Island ‘he’ posed for me up close in warm morning light and in a flowery setting for a long time – we can’t ask for much more than that from our avian subjects. If the setting looks familiar to viewers it’s probably because I posted a photo of this Chukar last spring but he gave me so many different poses I wanted to share a few more of them.
I was so close he almost filled the frame, even with my teleconverter removed. So when he suddenly looked over his shoulder to my left I didn’t have as much room on the left side of the frame as I needed for the 5 x 7 aspect ratio I prefer. But I think this composition works just fine.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, not baited, set up or called in
He was calling intermittently for the entire time I spent with him. To me their namesake calls often sound like excited chickens. One can often hear their calls reverberating across the island in the early mornings.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, not baited, set up or called in
He had this self-satisfied expression on his face immediately after one of his calling sessions. He appeared to be more than happy with his performance.
In recent years there seems to be far fewer Chukars on the island than there used to be but apparently those we have left have retreated to the higher and steeper slopes that are less accessible to visitors. I can sometimes hear them high up on the mountainsides and good friend April Olson reports seeing them on her hikes into steeper terrain.
With my bad back my hiking days are apparently over but it helps my attitude to know they’re still on the island.
Ron
Those portraits are outstanding. In New Mexico we had one Chuckar atop Sandia Crest at over 10,000 feet elevation. It most likely was an escapee from some “hunting” ranch down in the valley. It was not very tame, but ended up being eaten by a Bobcat.
I really like this series, specially the one where he looks so happy! I will try to catch some photos this late fall and winter while hiking of the Chukars. I usually flush them from among the rocks while hiking, so photos are hard to get.
I have confidence in you, April – you can get’em! 🙂
Gorgeous. I was fascinated by where its calls were recorded in that link. I will have to ask himself who has holidayed in those places whether he heard them (when he gets up some hours from now).
And yes, it does sound chickenish. Contented chickenish.
And, reading through the comments Onomatopoeia is one of my favourite words/concepts. I am also fascinated by anti onomatopoeic words – gruntled is a classic.
“Chickenish”, I like that. From now on instead of saying something tastes like chicken I’ll say it tastes chickenish. 🙂 I’ve heard that rattlesnake tastes chickenish.
Gorgeous!
Thanks, Nancy.
Sensational series Ron, Thanks for sharing!!
Charlotte Norton
Thanks, Charlotte.
He does look pretty darn pleased with himself in the last shot. 🤣
Onomatopoeia was one of my dad’s favorite words, so I appreciate Lyle evoking those memories. 💜 It also makes me think of the wonderful TV series, “The Wordsmith,” with Bob Smith — we used to watch those in class and at home.
Marty, I don’t remember seeing “The Wordsmith” but it sounds like something I would enjoy. Bet EC would too.
That is one fine looking Chukar, Ron! So often when I’ve seen them (primarily on birding trips in Colorado) the scenery is all rich and wonderful shades of brown. Nice to see one that calls to mind a beautiful spring day. Thanks for posting.
Thanks, Diane. For the reason you mention (variety) I like to photograph Chukars with either greenery or snow in the background and setting.
Indeed. How much we have lost with the demise of TV and radio shows like The Wordsmith and Much Binding in the Marsh!
Beautiful photos, Ron. Everything fits…… 😉 Yes, they DO sound chickenish. 😉
Thanks, Judy. I’ll take that as authoritative because I think you know your chickens…
That face is always a source of amusement, but overall a beautiful bird. BotW says chukar is onomatopoeic of its call. Sounds about right. Chickenish, for sure.
“BotW says chukar is onomatopoeic of its call”
Lyle, I had to look up onomatopoeic. That’s why this Montana farm boy just called it a namesake call… 🙂
So colorful! Would love to see one in person 🙂
Thanks, Kathleen.
Very attractive poses by a very attractive bird. A bird photographer can’t ask for a much better setting than these with the light, the background, and the very cooperative Chukar. Like Pat G. we don not have them here in Prescott. I looked them up in Sibley’s and they really are limited to a very small section of the country.
Thanks, Everett. We’re lucky to have them.
That first image is a classic–I love the head-turn, and the delicate wildflower
sprays are a perfect foil for the ‘chukars bold markings….I’m grateful when
you include links to calls, etc., as you did today–thanks !
when you provide links to calls, etc.-gu
Good, then I’m glad I included the link Kris.
We don’t have chukars in our area (Atlantic Canada) so I’ve never seen one but they do have lovely markings and if our local pheasant variety is anything to go by I’m sure they were a delight.
Pat, they’re great fun to photograph. And just to watch.