Once again Chukars are becoming conspicuous on Antelope Island. They’ve been hanging out in remote areas of the island all winter so I’ve seldom seen them for many months but the beginning of breeding season is upon us and their behavior is changing radically. This time of year calling by both sexes is commonplace and they often do it atop rocks and boulders so they become easier to photograph.
1/1250, f/6.3, ISO 400, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I found this one two days ago only minutes after the sun came up. It was perched on one of the many rounded Tintic Quartzite boulders found on the north end of the island. At first it was half asleep and seeming to enjoy the warming sun while standing on one leg but this time of year they just can’t resist calling from rocky perches and it didn’t take long for this one to succumb to the urge.
This is the beginning of the time of year when Chukar calls literally bounce off the hills on the north end of the island in the early morning. Between the Chukars and the meadowlarks it can be quite the heady experience for bird lovers. Sometimes when I’m out of my pickup I just stand there for a while and soak it all in. The call of the Chukar isn’t what I’d describe as melodious but I enjoy it just the same.
It’s been almost 9 months since I’ve posted a Chukar image. I’ve missed them.
Ron
Wonderful shot Ron! We have a wildlife preserve near where I live which I regularly visit. One day I found a Chukar there and was busily trying to get some shots when I heard gunshots and realized that it had probably been released and was being hunted.
I moved rather quickly and was glad I was in my car. LOL
The return of the beagle boys!!!
I am so glad that they have done their time and come back to you – and us.
I was actually thinkin of you while I was working up this post, EC – knowing how much you enjoy Chukars.
I might have to make a trip out to the island tomorrow. Now the weather is warmer I can walk out on my favorite trails and get away from people. I love the meadow lark songs in spring. My last 2 trips I missed the chukars and there were too many people to nature watch. Bus loads of tourists with smart phones and selfie sticks were everywhere. I will not be surprised if a buffalo gets one of the soon!
That’s just ONE of the reasons I always go to the island very early in the morning, April – to avoid the crowds. But then I’m lucky in that I go during the week instead of the busier weekends.
I wish I could go on a weekday but I work M-f. If I am off during the week then the rest of Utah is too and everyone is looking for something to do with their kids since the teachers are not keeping them busy. I took a day off in the middle of the week 3 weeks ago for an appointment, after I went to Famington Bay and walked out on the dikes. It was deserted except for swans, beautiful day.
“If I am off during the week then the rest of Utah is too”
Boy, do I remember those days! That’s exactly the reason I gave up skiing many years ago – every schoolkid in the state seemed to be in the lift line in front of me.
A handsome quail. Terrific photograph.
“Overinflated”. I’m gonna have to use that one for future self-descriptions.
Hard to believe Spring is just around the corner!
It felt like full-blown spring here yesterday, Wally – mid 60’s and beautiful!
You might want to use “fluffy” instead…one of my Lakota friends once said, “You are NOT fat! Just a little fluffy!” (She’s my favorite!)…,
I like the way your friend thinks, Patty! And “fluffy” fits for the birder in me.
HA! I just played the Chukar call and my standard poodle came running in and is looking for it. That bird is gorgeous, and I hope to see one some day. Beautiful image of a beautiful bird!
Didn’t mean to drive your dog nuts, Jane! I’m glad you like the image, thanks.
Chukars are definitely quite beautiful though slightly overinflated….nice to see one again……
“though slightly overinflated”
A characteristic I share with them, Patty – perhaps that’s part of why I like them so much…
Me, too….sigh!
Chuckar are so beautiful, and like you, I really love hearing and seeing them. For an introduced species, they’re pretty cool. Thank you so much. I needed that today.
Chukar…why are typos invisible until you hit send or until they see the light of print?
Re:typos–answer:because electronics, such as iPads, HATE. us!!! I know mine does….
Nah Patty, it happened when I was writing longhand, too. Sometimes my brain and fingers just go on an unsupervised wander without telling me. I never know exactly where they’re going until later. 😀
It’s called a “walkabout” in some places. In this case, it means your fingers hate you…that’s hard to deal with….I was a Special Ed Teacher and a lot of my kids had to deal with this…..
“For an introduced species, they’re pretty cool”
Agreed, Laura. Interesting that their primary habitat is the overgrazed lands of the west that have been taken over by cheat grass – also an introduced species.
Just illustrates the yin and yang of life. There are no right or wrong answers, just depends on how much yang you have to put up with to get the yin! Life’s just like that!
Several times this past winter Chukars sang almost continuously from the south slope of Buffalo Point while my dog and I sat atop the rock garden watching the sunset. Sunsets and Chukar songs are a great combination. I enjoy your blog and images.
Grant, the only times I’ve been on the island in the evening is when I’ve camped out there. But I do remember those spectacular sunsets!
Beautiful shot of a beautiful bird – their colors are subtle in many ways with dramatic stripes. 🙂
I think they’re pretty birds too, Judy. They can look pretty scruffy late in the summer but this time of year they look good.
WOW!
Thanks, Betty.