I’ve never been able to get a Chukar in flight or taking off, largely because they’re so hesitant to fly. Even when they’re perched on an elevated rock they usually just hop to the ground when they’re ready to leave. And when they do fly, typical of most upland game birds, they fly very fast, low to the ground and away from you which makes for an almost impossible target.
But I got one yesterday morning, taking off.
1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 500, 100-400 @260mm, natural light
This bird was acting as a sentry (also called a sentinel) for a small group of other Chukars nearby. It’s observation perch of choice was a sign post that was high enough that it had to actually fly when it decided to leave. I was too close to this bird for my 500mm lens so I quickly grabbed my 100-400 zoom lens and when it looked like it might be thinking of taking off I zoomed back far enough to give the Chukar enough room to fly into.
I had plenty of light for a shutter speed fast enough to freeze the wings of even this buzz-saw flier (those relatively short wings on such a chunky bird really have to churn to get it airborne) and was lucky enough to catch the wings in a position I like. A more appealing perch would have been nice but I’m pleased with the way most everything else turned out.
Ron
Beautiful! Almost looks like we should judge him/her on a high dive!
I am always surprised to hear that you haven’t got a shot of particular bird behaviour. This one looked like it was well worth the wait. Simply stunning. How long did you grin for?
Chukar channeling a Swainson’s!
OK, fabulous shot again. And the perch is color-coordinated with the bird –both having the same colors. Maybe that’s why the bird liked it? But what is the Noodle? Is this something I should be using to help with my photography?
Susan, A Noodle is a homemade window lens support for photographing with a long lens from your vehicle. It’s cheap (unlike those on the market) and very effective.
Thank you for the explanation!
Wow! Gorgeous shot of the bird. Who cares about the perch? I think the simplicity of the perch is an asset to the photo because it leave our eyes free to focus on the bird.
Susan, I agree that the post perch isn’t an image killer by any means. But if I’d had my druthers…
What a sensational shot! You must be really quick to be able to switch so quickly! Thanks so much for sharig!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte. I try to be quick but actually the 100-400 lens is attached to another camera I always have sitting next to me on the pickup seat so it’s not as complicated as I may have made it sound.
Excellent shot!
I have this lens, and am learning a ton from your posts.
Can you give me an approximation of how close you were to the Chukar?
Still haven’t got my noodle yet.
Dick, I’d estimate I was about 25′ from the bird – much closer than I can usually get to them. I think the Chukar felt safe up there on its high perch. I’ve emailed you the info you requested on the Noodle.