Yesterday morning I finally found another Chukar willing to pose for me – my first since late last year.
This has been an unusual winter for Chukars on Antelope Island and I can’t explain why. In past winters I’ve photographed them in the snow all winter long but this year they apparently moved to inaccessible areas of the island and until recently I haven’t seen them in months. I was beginning to worry about them. I just checked my files and the last image of a Chukar I’ve saved was taken last July but part of the reason for that is the fact that they look pretty scruffy in late summer and fall so I often pass them up during that time.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 IS II, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I found this bird perched on a boulder in warm light just as I drove onto the island. It was apparently warming itself in the sun and when they puff up like this their body profile is almost perfectly round. Some may not appreciate the poop and it would be easy to clone out but it doesn’t particularly bother me so I left it in. Poop happens…
1/2000, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 IS II, not baited, set up or called in
When the Chukar turned sideways I removed my teleconverter in hopes of getting a shot as it jumped down off the rock but when it did it mostly turned its back to me. Maybe next time.
These birds will soon be calling from elevated perches, fighting and pairing up – behaviors I always look forward to observing and photographing. Hopefully it will be a good year for Chukars on the island.
Ron
Couldn’t get image first couple of tries, but decided to try again ( several hours later) and it worked…sure glad because these are really nice images….I find these birds are kind of goofy and elegant at the same time…love their colors.
You’ve got them pegged, Patty – “goofy and elegant”. To me they’re often elegant in photos but when you watch their behaviors the goofiness definitely stands out.
I was in the field when you emailed that you couldn’t load my blog. I was able to load it on my phone and tried to email you back and let you know but maybe it didn’t send – signal strength is spotty on the island. Hopefully it was just a temporary glitch…
I don’t think that being co-operative is in the Beagle Boys job description (or any bird if it comes down to it). Just the same I am glad to see them featured here again.
Thankyou.
I remember that you like Chukars, Elephant’s Child.
A great series of shots, Ron. That new 500 II is working well for you. That is a great story related to the old and new 500. Sure enjoyed my short time with these birds. Hope everything is well with you and Mia. Ron
Thank you, Ron.
I see a lot of these handsome birds in Capitol Reef. Never have seen one on AI though. Thanks!
I was on the island again this morning, Kelli – and yes, the Chukars are now quite visible and beginning their spring behaviors.
You should have done that pixelated thing around the poop. God forbid we should ever have to see anything real and undiluted! I notice that some of the raptor nest-cams out there are blurring the prey food – making it hard to see the feeding process. I thought we were past that. Sigh.
Deborah, I had no idea that some of those nest-cams were blurring prey. I find that disturbing.
Great shots Ron!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
So great to see this! I, too, have been looking for Chucars all winter at Antelope Island, and wondered what happened to them. Yay! They’re still there!
Lisa, It’s been frustrating all winter, knowing they’re somewhere “out there” but so inaccessible. Maybe they went to the steep, south facing slopes with less snow cover. It’s sure nice to see them back where they can be seen again!
Nice! I’ve never seen this kind of bird.
Patricia, Chukars are upland game birds native to Asia. They’re found in steep, rocky and mountainous terrain – especially in and near the Great Basin.