Birds are finally starting to pick up on Antelope Island.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I can’t tell you how long it’s’ been since I’ve had a good birding day on Antelope Island but it’s been a very long time. I was beginning to wonder if everything with feathers had abandoned the island for good. But yesterday morning before I even got to the island proper I wondered if the tide was beginning to turn when we found a pair of Sandhill Cranes along the causeway. They were reasonably close and not very skittish as they foraged in the early morning light.
They were partially sidelit so I didn’t get many shots I liked that included both of them but this one isn’t bad. Normally the shadow on the female’s neck would bother me but since it was cast by her protective mate and there’s still light on her face I’m ok with it.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Only minutes later and almost immediately after I drove onto the island we found this cooperative Chukar in nice light. At first he was perched in a jumble of branches that gave me a busy background but it wasn’t long before he moved to this rock in a more pleasing setting.
Just before encountering this bird I said out loud “I wonder if Chukars have abandoned the island altogether” so finding him was a welcome omen. I also got some nice shots of Black-billed Magpies, Western Meadowlarks and Horned Larks so for at least the next few months I shouldn’t have that defeated feeling before I even get to the island.
And it shouldn’t be long before Sage Thrashers, Lark Sparrows, Long-billed Curlews, Willets and other species arrive. It’s nice to feel optimistic about Antelope Island again.
Ron
Ron,
Love Chukars!
Stephen
Tad late today, great shot of the cranes and Chukar.
Went from 10 early this AM to 60 in the sun at 1620 today! Won’t be long before we all will be complaining of the heat! VBG!!
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Dick. You’re right, come July I’ll be bitchin’ about the scorching heat.
So glad you went out, despite the weather reports it was a beautiful day.
Have you gone to Nebraska to see the migration? I went last year, it was incredible. It was so incredible after 3 days I was burned out and came home early to take advantage of the good weather window. Considering I went alone I made many friends, like me they were alone because their spouses were not interested in birds. I don’t like birding in groups so I drove around the first afternoon I arrived and staked out some areas they seem to be in where the people were not. I hit the jackpot. The only other person with me was a local who was shocked, I being a first timer found the location. He was nice enough to give me a few tips on perfect side of the river for best lighting, we went to breakfast after the birds flew off the river. Like you say, it helps to know the birds behavior.
Nope, I’ve never seen that spectacle in Nebraska but I’ve heard a lot about it, April. Glad it turned out so well for you.
I like the way the color palettes of the two species complement each other. 🙂 Those Sandhills are pretty special!
Thank you, Marty.
In my opinion, the picture of the chukar is very nice! Their being photogenic, combined with your skill, makes for a very pleasing photo.
A agree, Bradley, Chukars are a photogenic species. Thank you.
Beautiful photos. I have a yard full of crocus and that is my harbinger of spring. I love to hear all the calls of birds and the crane”s calls are specially nice.
A harbinger is a harbinger, no matter what it is, Betty. Hopefully it won’t be long…
Great to see you out in the field again!
Thanks, John. It felt good.
Wonderful photos AND “spring” is obviously imminent even with the crappy weather. 1st Robin today tho with all the snow I’m sure it’s wondering “what the hell?” 32 and howling wind – Blizzard along the front and much at Browning area shut down………
Judy, I saw dozens of Robins this morning in northern Utah.
If Browning is shut down Cut Bank must be pretty close to the same situation.
These two photos are just beautiful! Thanks so much!
Thanks, Joanne.
Super shots Ron! Looks like everything is on the mend! Congrats!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
What a sigh of relief you & Mia must have made yesterday, Ron!! Two very different & stunning birds to see right off the bat – Yippee!! Question for you – how do you tell the female from the male Sandhill Crane? They look so much alike!! Like Xavier, I’ll be watching for your Magpie photos since I never see them except thru your photos – LOL!!
Jo Ann, the easiest way to tell is if you have a mated pair close to each other the male is significantly larger.
Nice photos Ron. Like the colors on both birds. I have never had the pleasure of seeing either of them here in our area. Glad you mentioned being sidelit. It can be a blessing or a curse depending on how the birds are positioned. Obviously perfect for the Chukar.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
Thanks, Everett. Actually the Chukar wasn’t sidelit, only the cranes were.
You did have a good day! Great captures! All the colors in the photo of the cranes come together for a fantastic photo…almost resembles a painting. It gives one’s heart a boost to see new birds returning for the season…makes one anxious to get back out there! I saw my first crane of the season yesterday but certainly not like yours…walking through the snow and calling his poor heart out looking for someone to join him. We have more snow than usual this year…poor things are confused!
We have another storm coming in tonight, Kathy. When will it ever end!
Hello again Ron! I really love the detail in all the photos, especially the Chukar! We only have a few gamebirds here, so it’s very interesting seeing what you guys find! I also can’t wait to see your magpie shots, they’re one of my favorite “bucket-list” species!
I’ll probably be posting a magpie shot or two soon, Xavier. Thanks.
I used to live close to a Sandhill nesting area. I saw a huge group (had to be over 100). Really interesting birds. Love that Chukar!
Thanks, Arwen. I see them nesting when on my MT camping trips.
Beautiful photos Ron. Chukar’s are so photogenic, I love their coloring and they perch in a way that works well for photography.
Do large numbers of Sandhill Cranes use Antelope Island?
Thanks for the post, and happy to see the birds have not abandoned this important habitat.
Thanks, Ed. No, cranes are seldom common on the island in my experience although it isn’t unusual to see a few of them along the faraway mudflats on the east side of the island.