Chukar – Wing Stretch On Tippytoes

Last Thursday morning I came across this Chukar on Antelope Island as it warmed itself in the early morning sun.  For much of the time it had its back to me and didn’t even turn its head to check me out.

 

chukar 9617 ron dudley

 1600, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light

But then it looked back at me as if to make sure I was a safe distance away before…

 

 

chukar 9633 ron dudley

  2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, natural light

 it began to stretch its wings.  Here the wings are beginning to be pulled away from the body…

 

 

chukar 9634 ron dudley

 2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, natural light

and then outstretched slightly…

 

 

chukar 9637 ron dudley

  2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, natural light

before they were raised…

 

 

chukar 9638 ron dudley

  2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, natural light

over the head.  The bird was so enthusiastic about its morning stretch that it even stood on its toes at the end (reminded me of some people when they stretch).  I got a bit of what photographers call “steel eye” in this image and I clipped the left wing tip but I thought the shot was integral to the series so I included it.

 

 

chukar 9639 ron dudley

  2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, natural light

 Then the wings came down…

 

 

chukar 9650 ron dudley

  2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, natural light

and the bird began to crow about its accomplishment.

For those of you who may think I post a lot of Chukars, rest assured that there’ll be fewer of them for a few months now.  These birds are already showing the first signs of molt and for much of the summer they aren’t very photogenic (an understatement).

Ron

Note: I’ll be out of town for a few days and expect to have spotty internet access at best so I’ll likely be unable to respond to many comments until my return

10 Comments

  1. I so wish I could come upon a Chukar! They are, indeed, lovely. I’ve only seen one Chukar in my entire life, one who came into the wildlife hospital where we worked. Someday, when I get out your way … you know I’ll be heading for Chukerville.

  2. And unlike certain people I will not mention, the chukar is in no danger of falling over after that spectacular stretch. I would be crowing my achievements to the world too!

  3. Charlotte Nrton

    Absolutely sensational! Thanks so much for sharing your shots!
    Charlotte Norton

  4. Great series of photos, Ron. Watching that stretch made me smile.

  5. Cindy Schnackel

    Wonderful series of shots!

  6. Dear Ron, the word chukar is totally new to me. And that the word is the name of a bird is, of course, also new. What a beautiful bird–both head and chest and wings. Your photography is awe-inspiring. Peace.

  7. Great sequence Ron! Loved it!

  8. Very nice set Ron, I enjoyed them. Is this part of a dominant display, territorial display?
    You were in your truck, he wasn’t concerned, he’s seen you before!!

    • “Is this part of a dominant display, territorial display?”

      Dick, My guess is no, based on what I saw and didn’t see. But that’s not much more than a guess…

  9. Made me stretch before walking to work songbird rehab. Must feel good to chukar–sure does to me.

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