This bird was most definitely not one of the relatively ‘tame’ Chukars on Antelope Island.
1/8000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
When I first spotted this Chukar in the west desert yesterday, ‘he’ and one of his buddies were on the dirt road in front of me and in poor light. This guy disappeared into the vegetation on the left side of the road so I drove slowly forward, hoping the other Chukar on the road would be more cooperative. He wasn’t.
But this bird, who was trying to hide from me, made a mistake. He apparently forgot where I was and came out in the open very close to me. So close that I could barely fit him in the frame. He looked at me for a couple of seconds and then, realizing his error, turned around and made a mad dash back into the bushes.
I’ve never been this close to a truly wild Chukar before, at least not one that I could see. I’ve probably been this close to Chukars on Antelope Island in the past but those birds are accustomed to vehicles and even people. This guy is a truly wild bird.
As he turned around to skedaddle back into the bushes it gave me an extremely brief opportunity for…
1/8000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
a portrait that I like. I believe this is only the second Chukar portrait I’ve ever posted to Feathered Photography.
I had quite a few opportunities with raptors yesterday, including Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Northern Harriers and Great Horned Owls, but it was one of those mornings where, if something could go wrong, it did. This Chukar was an exception.
Ron
Fellow, I met had a tame pet Chukar name Joey. That bird rode around with him in his truck and followed him everywhere like a dog. He had that bird for 6 yrs till he passed.
A very handsome bird!
Great photos! So glad you’re seeing more and more Chukars 😊
Marvelous shots, Ron! Chukars are one of those “airbrushed” species for me — their markings are so intriguing! The striping on this fellow’s wing makes me want to put on 3-D glasses. The portrait is also giving some “Whatcha dooin?” vibes (I’m imagining where I could hang a print of him😉).
I would have loved to have been out there with you yesterday — just to be able to witness all the bird-dom you’ve described. Sorry Ol’ Murph was riding shotgun.
“I would have loved to have been out there with you yesterday.”
It would have been good to have you there, Marty. You’d be good company and it’s unlikely that my cussing would have offended you…
😂
Stunning portrait!
Thanks, Burrdoo.
OMGoodness the detail on his eyes, beak and face in the portrait are exquisite!! So happy this little guy was lost for a moment!
Glad you like it, Kathleen. Thank you.
Great photos of chukars and wonderful to hear of other birds in the area! I have some free time this week and might head out if I am not too tired of driving! On our trip to Montana Cheryl does most of the driving since it is her car. Sitting for 10 hours is still hard on my body and takes a toll. My joints freeze up, mostly my bad knee, it takes some time to get everything moving again!
That IS a long drive to be sitting either as passenger or driver! Hope you loosen up soon! Also hope Cheryl had a productive trip…..
I get that about joints freezing up on long trips, April. If I don’t take breaks I’m all hunched over when I first get out of a vehicle. Getting old stinks…
That is a beautiful portrait of the Chukar with such vivid coloring and the eye etc. I think the portrait is more beautiful than the full bird itself. I have never seen one, and probably never will. We do not have them here. So glad you took that closeup.
“I think the portrait is more beautiful than the full bird itself.”
I think so too, Everett. Thank you.
I SO ADMIRE the closeup “bust” portrait ! Like Michael, I was
very interested in that bronzed section of the facial marking– I’d never
noticed it before, and had thought the whole loop to be very dark.
I’m wondering if the feathers in that area might display “interference”
(structural rather than pigmented ) coloration? If so, they would
read darker when not directly lighted. JUST BEAUTIFUL ……
Thanks, Kris. If there’s an explanation for that “facial marking”, I haven’t found it. And I’ve looked.
Beautiful! For being truely wild you managed to “nail it”……. 🙂 Except for the close ups they always appear to have had a paint brush taken to them. 😉 Not getting skunked for the day is a plus.
Finches are gradually “heading for the hills” it seems tho for how long is a question with “weather” coming in for the next week. 😉 Behavior changing in them – more chasing and territorial behavior so “it’s time”. Liked WC’s post on them a day or so ago……
Judy, I was hoping you’d see WC’s post. It immediately made me think of you.
Great photos! I wish I could see one in person! I live in the Northeast.
I wish you could too, Jeri. Thanks.
That portrait is really something. Found myself spending time looking at all the fine details of the multitude of small feathers that cover the bird’s head and neck.
Wonder if that small tuft of small brown feathers in the black stripe that goes from the forehead, past the eye, and down the neck is over the bird’s ear, and if so does the color and makeup of those feathers play any specific role in their hearing?
“does the color and makeup of those feathers play any specific role in their hearing?”
Or in their behavior?
I believe that brown tuft does cover his ear, Michael. Or part of it. Interesting question.
Thanks, Ron. This is a beautiful portrait. The back-story is equally interesting. Arduous effort, wonderful result!
Thank you, Kate. Glad you enjoyed the back story. Sometimes I think I’m a little too… verbose.