Sometimes a change of position of just a few inches can have a fairly dramatic affect on the overall “feel” of an image. That was the case with this Antelope Island Chukar.
1600, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
I found the bird on a rock ledge and slightly above me which gave an almost eye-level perspective that I like. Occasionally it would call, as they’re very prone to do.
1600, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
But then it began to walk a short distance to my right (I’m always surprised that the bottoms of their feet are yellow)…
1600, f/7.1, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
which brought the snow-covered hillside in the background into play. At first there was a mix of snow and blue sky back there…
2000, f/7.1, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
but then I deliberately raised my window a couple of inches (as usual I was shooting from my pickup) to take the blue sky out of the picture. And the bird obliged me by calling once again.
Most of the snow is finally gone from the island now. Even the roads to the Frary Peak trailhead and White Rock Bay are open – they’ve been closed for months due to snow. Hopefully that’s a sign that the curlews and Willets (and other spring birds) won’t be far behind. Hope so – it’s been a long dry spell on the island.
Ron
What a wonderful series! I’ve never seen a chukar and they are a very pretty bird.
Chalrotte
That last one is like an Audubon painting. Just incredible, Ron!
You introduced me to chukars, and I am always glad to see their return on this blog. Such a dramatic bird – and the yellow feet just add to it. Thank you.
I Love the chukar in contrast to the blue sky. Yay! We’re back into colorful spring again!
This set just makes me smile. (And there is a little jealousy, too). But you’ve earned the right to make us drool a bit, Ron.
I like the punchy colors on this chukar, and I know you didn’t do it on purpose, they ARE like that.
I usually feel lucky to get just a “record” shot of some birds! You’re helping me a lot in trying to judge perspective, take background into consideration more, try for a better angle, etc. Thank you for the continuing education! (In biology as well as photography!)
Wonderful, tack-sharp images per usual!
Quite a different feel than the “running on snow” series. The detail of the stripes is amazing! And you got your eye contact every time, too. I’m glad to hear spring may finally have sprung by you. I won’t tell you about my forsythia, or daffodils, or pine pollen all over the car, ok? 😉
Dear Ron – I have been amazed at your photos since discovering your blog. They are truly amazing! As an advanced amateur/freelance photographer, I can only aspire to work like this. As much as anything is studying your subject and learning their habits. Thanks for sharing your work!
Amazing….looks almost like a studio shoot. 🙂 I have never seen a bird quite like that, so beautiful. Thanks Ron