Chukar pair bonds are forming now and I believe these two birds to be a mated pair.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, not baited, set up or called in
Two days ago I was trying to approach (in my pickup) a Red-winged Blackbird perched on top of a large rock on Antelope Island when this Chukar deliberately displaced it by landing on top of the rock and forcing the blackbird to fly off. Bye-bye blackbird but now I had a Chukar to work with. The early morning light was perfect, I liked the background and the bird was cooperative – what more could I ask for? How about two Chukars at the same time?
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, not baited, set up or called in
A few minutes later another Chukar landed on the rock to the left and above the first one (the other bird is just out of frame to the right and below this bird). Soon the second Chukar began to preen.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, not baited, set up or called in
These relatively short-necked and fat-bodied birds have to struggle to reach the rear of their bodies while preening. Behind the leg isn’t too difficult to reach but…
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, not baited, set up or called in
getting to the uropygial (preen) gland is another story altogether – they can barely reach it.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, not baited, set up or called in
Here the bird is rubbing the side of its head over the gland and its immediate vicinity in order to get the gland secretion on its face and upper neck (areas it cannot reach with its beak).
1/500, f/13, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, not baited, set up or called in
Soon the first Chukar moved up and to my left to join the second bird. Chukars form pair bonds in my area this time of year and I believe this to be a mated pair with the smaller and shorter female on the left (the sexes are similar otherwise).
1/500, f/14, ISO 640, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, not baited, set up or called in
Soon after this shot was taken the larger male hopped down off the rock.
The precocial young of these birds leave the nest soon after hatching so beginning in May I look forward to seeing the roly-poly chicks scurrying around in the grasses with their parents.
Ron
Lovely light, indeed. The colorful markings on these birds just jump out in this light.
I A chukar was found walking down the middle of an Aurora Colorado street about 15 years ago – It’s wings had been pinioned…Probably a target-practice bird. After figuring out what it WAS,
I took it to a rescue facility out on the plains where (I hope) it lived out a happy life – not being shot at.
A sad situation for the bird, Karen. I too hope the bird survived.
A “Game” bird? Some cowardly, cruel, pathetic “GAME”….
Love images 1, 6 and 7…but over-inflated birds in 2, 3,, and 4 worry me…I’m afraid they’ll suffer the same fate as that poor Chukar in the 5th image, which either shows a bird in the process of blowing up…or rapidly deflating…they next, had there been one, would probably show that bird spiraling around the air, like a deflating balloon…sure wish I’d been there to see it!!!
“sure wish I’d been there to see it!!!”
Interesting that you’d say that, Patty – while we were shooting on the island that morning I told Mia that I’d bet you’d love to be with us – to hear the singing of all the meadowlarks (that you said you hadn’t heard in many years) and to experience the Chukars.
Double delight. You and Mia BOTH featuring chukars this morning. Woo Hoo. And, being as supple as a brick, I am impressed at their preening skills. A difficult job with success at the end of it.
What sensational shots Ron, thanks for sharing them!
Charlotte
I love the small details you find and interpret. Never ending wee sagas of mostly invisible lives!!!
Thank you, Deborah. That means a lot.
Ron, they look like a wedding party. What great shots. I am sure you are correct.
Thanks so much. Without your interpretation I would miss so much.
“Without your interpretation I would miss so much”.
Diana, I too miss a lot when I’m actually photographing (many things happen fast and my concentration focus has to be on photography rather than behavior) but it’s amazing how much more I’m able to pick up when I’m reviewing and analyzing the photos. Thank you.