It’s unusual, even rare, for me to get quality photos of truly wild Chukars. Usually I’ve photographed them on Antelope Island where they tend to be acclimated to people and vehicles so they’re often approachable. Elsewhere they’re spooky and shy. Maddeningly so.
But yesterday morning in the west desert a single wild Chukar in a large flock broke the mold.
I didn’t even know there were Chukars nearby when a flock of about 40 of them came from out of nowhere and flew across the dirt road in front of me, from right to left, and landed in tall grass close to the road. All but one of them disappeared instantly but I could see this one as ‘he’ ran through the grass. It’s a crappy photo but I wanted you to see what I was dealing with.
I’m not even sure why I tried to keep him in my viewfinder. I could barely see him and I sure as hell couldn’t focus on him as he ran through the grass.
But suddenly and completely unexpectedly he reached an open spot, stopped and gave me this cross-legged, backward-looking pose for about three seconds. And then he was gone.
It’s nice to see Chukars decked out in fine plumage again. In the fall they can look pretty scruffy.
I never once saw any of the other Chukars after they landed in the grass, even though I knew they were close. All I could do was hear them. Chukars being Chukars.
Ron
Note: A saying popular amongst Chukar hunters illustrates how difficult Chukars are to find and approach in their preferred wild and steep habitats.
“Your first Chukar hunt is for fun: every time after that is for revenge.”
That’s a beautiful photo – such great plumage and a perfect pose. I’ve never seen a chukar – I should really get out to Utah occasionally and see if I can’t find some (among other species we don’t see much on the Front Range).
Bill, if you ever make it here, I can point you in the right direction(s).
I love Chukers deep fried in peanut oil.
I’ve never had Chukar. Or goose. I used to eat pheasants and liked them. I don’t like duck.
Love that saying. You will be unsurprised to hear that I am decidedly on the side of the chukars.
And how fortunate that habit (and stubbornness) kicked in and you did your very best (which is excellent) to capture that chukar and give him/her a fleeting moment of glory.
You’re right, EC. I’m not surprised. Thanks.
He is a pretty bird. How was the air? I went to Antelope Island yesterday morning and it was misty. It burned off about 9 but then the haze started to set in. The fire in Salt Lake did not help either.
April, the air up there was good. But when I got back to SLC I had to drive pretty close to the fire, and through the smoke that was blowing mostly west. Pretty stinky. I never did hear what was burning.
An abandoned building around the Ball Park area. It made the city smell smoky, even at my house 2 1/2 miles away. I was going to go to Liberty Park and “shoot” birds at the pond that afternoon, but the air was really bad!
“Reflexes”—for sure, but stubborn determination in equal part !
Guilty as charge, Kris.
Sassy little guy! Love their plumage. Have never seen a Chukar – one day!
I hope it happens, Kathleen. Sooner rather than later.
No problem. You have shown us many excellent photos of these colorful birds. I have a book called An Asylum of Loons that gives you the group names for every bird, but just checked and they did not include Chukars. As you know some of the names are really funny such as a “Commotion of Coots” or “Cackle of Grackles” or a “Baffle of Buffleheads.”
Thanks, Everett. The only name for a group of Chukars that I’m aware of is “covey”. Or maybe, amongst Chukar hunters, “assholes”… 🙂
Thanks! I’ll never see a live one, so I really appreciate your photos. Glad you have such well-trained reflexes!
“Glad you have such well-trained reflexes”.
Thanks, Burrdoo. There’s more truth to that than you may know. I’m surprised by how often my reflexes bail me out in challenging photographic situations. It’s almost like my reflexes belong to somebody else…
Wonderful shot, Ron! 🙂 He’s gorgeous! Chukar hunters saying gave me a giggle – always amazing how they and other birds can just disappear into the grass/brush whatever. 😉
“Chukar hunters saying gave me a giggle.”
Judy, I’ve heard that saying many times. Chukar hunters say it often and they mean it only a little tongue in cheek.
Mandy took the words right out of my mouth. Fashion runway pose was my first thought when I saw that photo.
And boy, it is a great photo!
Glad you like it, Michael. Thank you.
I love that chukar portrait. A very runway model pose.
Thanks again for a daily dose of bird beauty.
“A very runway model pose.”
You’re right, Mandy. I hadn’t thought of that.
I’m ready for my closeup Mr. Dudley. And a fine one it is.
Thanks, Mark. He may have been ready but he sure didn’t give me much time for it.