It’s the time of year when I begin daydreaming about trips to Montana and many of the birds I photograph in that state, Gray Partridges among them.
I often see this species on the Montana farm where I grew up – locals call them Hungarian Partridges or “Huns” for short. They’re social birds that are mostly found in coveys and when I would unexpectedly find a group of these birds in the grasses or fields and they flushed in front of me their loud, explosive take-offs would really make my heart skip a beat. They have a high mortality rate, short lifespan and high reproductive potential. They produce among the largest single hen clutches of all birds – up to 22 eggs, averaging 16 to 18.
1/1250, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
They’re not found in most of Utah so I photograph them in Montana at every opportunity – these images were taken on the farm in August of 2012. Juveniles like this young bird lack most of the conspicuous plumage patterns and colors of the adults. When young they have a gray or brown spot behind the eye that turns…
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4 tc, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
bright red as adults and much of the body of mature birds has conspicuous rufous-cinnamon coloration.
It seems that these birds are usually running whenever I see them out in the open so they’re difficult subjects for the photographer. This one was really scooting along and I’m surprised it’s as sharp as it is. The scurrying bird disturbed a flying insect above its tail that I could have easily removed but it was natural and it doesn’t bother me so I left it in the image.
This old photographer’s 50th high school reunion is this summer in Cut Bank, Montana and that’s a get-together that I hope not to miss. That trip, if it happens, will likely be my next opportunity with this species.
I actually have hopes of photographing one of these buzz-bombs in flight – how’s that for setting almost impossible goals?
Ron
Wonderful shots Ron!
Charlotte
Sage Thrashers have attitude! It catches the eye and the spirit….
As a kid, I was almost always wandering around a field,stream, swamp or woods…often accompanied by and Irish setter. I can’t begin to count the number of times a pheasant “exploded” in front of our noses– shooting up from the tall grasses almost underfoot–probably why I have heart problems now!!! I don’t think my heart skipped a beat…I think it stopped!!
Yep, pheasants will do it too. Big time…
Having grown up in the midwest hunting and fishing, I know what you mean by your “Heart skipping a beat” from a flushing bird, Ron. Hopefully, I get to use those extra beats sometime before I become plant food.
Great image as usual.
Neil
Neil, the only bird that has scared me more when it flushed than Gray Partridges has been Sage Grouse. Sometimes it takes my heart rate almost a minute to get back to normal.
I want to go to that reunion with you…and tell all your former classmates just how great we think you are!!! You don’t have to stay, you can go shoot birds if you want….
Then you’re invited, Patty 🙂
Great photos. I love the color and patterns on these birds. I skipped my 50th reunion (no interest at all), but I hope that such a momentous occasion also offers you a similar occasion for reaching your ‘impossible’ goal.
I’ve only been to one reunion, Susan. Didn’t think I’d enjoy it much but it turned out that I did.
Pretty little things!
I think so too, Arwen.
That is SOME stride!!! Any Olympic runner would envy it! There’s something about these “subtle birds”. that always appeals to me. Nature tries so hard torotect them. There’s a poinancy to it that touches me.
Agreed, Patty. I tend to prefer the more subtly colored birds over the snazzy ones. That’s one of the reasons I like Sage Thrashers so much, even though they don’t get much attention from other photographers.
Remarkable Ron! I was waiting for it to run out of the photo and onto my desk!
That bird was FAST, Nancy!
I meant it was so lifelike I expected to step out of the photo! Gorgeous photo!