The roly-poly Chukar doesn’t look very athletic but they’re incredibly agile while maneuvering on the rocks they like to perch on this time of year.
For most of the year Chukars spend much of their time skulking around in the vegetation but during spring and early summer males in particular are more approachable as they perch high on rocks and boulders, calling enthusiastically and watching over their mate. When they decide to come down off their elevated perches they scramble down the rocky slopes with impressive agility. I appreciate static, posed images of birds as much as anyone but I tend to prefer shots where there’s some kind of behavior or action. These photos scratch that itch for me, even though one of them is quite soft.
1/1000, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, not baited, set up or called in
Four days ago this Chukar had been perched on a boulder, warming itself as the sun rose. When it decided to leave the rock it scrambled down the steep slope and I caught this leg pose that appealed to me because it revealed that their legs are actually longer than they usually appear.
1/1000, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, not baited, set up or called in
But then the boulder dropped off vertically and the bird had to make a decision – jump or fly. It usually has to be a long ways down before they’ll fly and this bird chose to jump.
1/1000, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, not baited, set up or called in
As usual it didn’t even open its wings on the way down and it was quite a drop. In situations like this I sometimes expect the poor bird to end up like Humpty Dumpty but it landed with dignity and aplomb and then calmly began foraging. I didn’t have enough shutter speed to get the bird sharp but I think you still get the idea…
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, not baited, set up or called in
Just over an hour later I found another Chukar preparing to come down off its lofty perch. This time I didn’t get any photos as it left the boulder but I liked the foot position in this shot.
I’ve had a “Chukar drought” all winter so now that they’re active and somewhat approachable again I can’t resist posting them occasionally. I’ll try not to overdo it…
Ron
How is is possible to overdo posting these birds? (except that one photo you have where the bird has a bald neck) They are beautiful to look at and their behaviors are always interesting. I really like that first photo, not only for the leg position, but also for how the background seems to match the stripes on the wings.
Absolutely love your Chukar photos! They look like they would be so much fun to watch! On a side note, I’m very jealous that you are getting some spring weather! Here in Michigan the temps are still struggling to get into the double digits and there is 20 inches of snow on the ground. Thanks for giving me a little taste of spring!
They are fun to watch, Jeff! They’re comical when they run, their “rock hopping” is entertaining and fights certainly get your attention. Yes, spring is beginning to pop here but having lived in northern Montana for so many years I know what you’re enduring right now. Hang in there!
Ron, since Chukars are an alien species … Is there any impingement on the ecology of the land they’re inhabiting?
Are they welcome as a game bird?
Karen, Chukars were first introduce to North America almost 125 years ago and though there have been repeated attempts to establish populations in a variety of habitats in much of the country they “took” best in the arid regions of the Great Basin. I know of no significant negative implications from their introduction, though there may be some. They’re an incredibly popular game bird in the west, at least partly because they are an extreme challenge to hunt in their vast and difficult habitat (rocky slopes) and the liberal season lengths and bag limits.
A really interesting series. It is amazing what birds can do at times.
Thank you, Sonja.
oh they’re so pretty … overdo all you want!!!! great images as always!!
Ok, I will Lois (but not too much, I hope). Thank you.
Too many chukars is never enough. Thank you – my face is hurting with the extent of my smiles at these stunning little athletes this morning.
I know you like these guys, Elephant’s Child. I think of you every time I post one.
“Chukar Chuckles”–got mine today, especially with third image…with no wing assist whatsoever…sure hope that bird landed on something soft!!!
Thanks for the feedback on that third image, Patty. It is so soft that a very nearly didn’t include it.
Wonderful!
Thanks, Kelli.
Amazing to see that drop off the rock without wing assist, especially considering that those wings are powerful enough to launch them straight up! I’m guessing that the habit has something to do with the energy expenditure involved. I want to learn something every day. So o
often that happens by reading your post while drinking my morning coffee. Thank you, once again, for your efforts!
Mikal, you’re right – I’ve seen them launch almost straight up. And what a racket they make when they do it – both wing noise and squawking.
Terrific shots!!! What a great looking bird. It’s those eyes! Love the action you captured. Stretching those legs!
Yes, that bright red eye ring really makes the dark eyes stand out, Ellen.
Wonderful Ron!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
I for one love your images of Chukars. We don’t have them out where I live so it’s a treat to see your great photos of them. Please keep ’em coming.
Thanks for the encouragement, Gary. I probably will…