Yesterday morning in Utah’s west desert I encountered yet another huge flock of Chukars in the middle of the dirt/gravel road in front of me. As I proceeded, as usual they all flew to the rocky slope to my right, which was on the ‘wrong’ side of my pickup for photography. Typically when this happens they all disappear into the vegetation so it’s a waste of time and effort to turn around for them.
But this time I noticed that many of them had landed on top of a large rocky outcrop next to the road and most were making no attempt to hide, so I decided it might be worth the effort to turn around for them.
It was. I spent the next 16 minutes taking hundreds of Chukar photos, with them close and in good light. When I’ve had time to actually look at all of them, I believe the photo below will be one of my favorites.
1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I don’t think I’ve ever taken a Chukar photo that looks like this one, with four birds in the frame that are sharp or sharp enough (the bird on the right isn’t quite as sharp as the others) with good eye contact from each bird. They’re in excellent light with a clean background and I like the colors and the rocky, lichen-encrusted setting.
I took so many photos in such a short time I eventually left the Chukars in place and drove on down the road to look for other birds (which reminded me of one of my early bird photography mentors, Tom Webster, whose mantra was “Never leave birds to look for other birds”.) But half an hour later, when I returned to the same spot, I found the same flock again and took many more photos of them. It was a Chukar kind of morning.
So, when I finally have time to wade through all of them, you’re likely to see more Chukar photos sometime soon.
Ron
I love this photo!! Great lighting. Perfect natural perch. All birds looking in the same direction. And you had fun. Congratulations!
Joni Mitchell had a “Chelsea Morning” and Ron Dudley had a “Chukar Morning.” 😃 Both quite delightful in their own special ways. Definitely looking forward to more shots from your time in Chukarville!
And for anyone who doesn’t have the ear worm like I do now, here ya go😈: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nWDyA4S-geg
Marty, any day that my name is used in the same sentence as Joni’s is a good day.
All these birds seem to be smiling. I’m having a hard time reconciling this congenial gathering with your post from earlier in the summer, where you documented them attacking one another to near death. But that was territorial stuff, right? And now, like the large quail covey I’m seeing in my yard, they are gathering together (mostly peacefully) for the winter?
There’s a store in Prosser, WA – Chukar Cherries – I always think of all their cherry goodies (jams, pie fillings, chocolate covered cherries, etc) whenever you post a Chukar photo!
Wow, a store named Chukar Cherries. I was so intrigued I had to look it up.
https://www.chukar.com/
I do love the Beagle Boys – as you know. And co-operative Beagle Boys in good light? Bliss.
“I do love the Beagle Boys – as you know.”
I do know, EC. For that reason, I actually thought of you when I posted this.
They had a bumper crop of young birds this year it must have been a very good hatch. The first time you hunt chuhars is for fun the second time is for Revenge.
I’ve heard that saying about hunting Chukars, Steven. They must be a very tough hunt.
Love the photo, and just wanted to let Diane know I really chuckled at her double entendre.
I enjoyed Diane’s comment too. Thanks, Burrdoo.
Hi Ron. Great shots, as always. Chukars are on my photo wish list. In Canada, they only occur in the southern Okanagan Valley of BC and I have seen them just a few times. Keep the images coming I never mind being green with envy.
Wayne
Thanks, Wayne. Good to know there are at least some Chukars in Canada. I wasn’t sure there were any.
This IS a keeper! Nice of the Chukars to pose for you this time and not run for cover. 🙂 They are handsome birds. The Chukar coloring on the rock is very complimentary.
Thanks, Kathleen. I like those complementary colors too.
Lucky you did not have to turn around. I like that advice to not leave birds to look for other birds. I have often done that because by nature I am impatient and have regretted making the move.
I DID have to turn around, Everett. This was one of the few times it paid off.
WOW! That is a GREAT shot! 🙂 I’m sure there are others tho I don’t envy you wading through them…… 😉 That’s the down side of digital photography 😉 Is it common for there to be large flocks like that?
“Is it common for there to be large flocks like that?”
Judy, usually it isn’t but this year it is – at least in that area of the west desert. I’ve seen similar sized flocks in that area the last 3-4 times I’ve been there. It must have been a productive breeding season for Chukars.
I like that photo PLENTY FINE…..never have seen its like before,
and I’m happily anticipating seeing the rest of your “catches”
on that fine morning– what truly handsome birds they are– and
in a flock, wow !
A HUGE flock, Kris. There were over a hundred of them. And it wasn’t the only flock I found. Didn’t find many other birds though.
Yay! Could you tell which one was the Mother Chukar? Sorry- couldn’t resist! Love this photo, and so glad you were there to capture it!
“Could you tell which one was the Mother Chukar?”
Nope, couldn’t tell, Diane. But your comment made me smile.
The one who looks exhausted.
Family portrait that.
Like that mantra. Hard to go with it sometimes. we always wonder what is just over the hill or around the corner.
“Hard to go with it sometimes”
It’s a very difficult decision to make, Michael. And whatever I decide, I always wonder if I made the wrong choice.