My day began and ended with Chukars, with quite a few interesting birds in-between.
The following photos are presented in the order they were taken.
I found this Chukar soon after sunrise and immediately after arriving on the island proper. ‘He’ was cooperative and in wonderful light. That early in the morning the light was soft enough that it didn’t blow out the whites of his Tintic Quartzite perch, as so often happens later in the day.
He spent part of his time calling to other faraway Chukars that I could hear but not see.
But occasionally he seemed to be calling directly to me. Or at me.
I didn’t see another Chukar for the next two hours and twenty six minutes, when I was already in the process of leaving the island and heading for home.
That’s when I found this guy, almost certainly a male, tucked away on a rock pile next to a brush pile on the marina parking lot. His location wasn’t ideal for photos but it gave him enough security that he allowed me to get very close.
Close enough for a portrait that I like very much.
Eventually he was comfortable enough with my presence that he ventured out to explore the rock pile.
The rock pile was completely lacking plants of any kind but Chukars also feed on insects so based on his behavior I thought he might be searching for midges. But I never saw him catch or eat any.
After a while he came down to the gravel parking lot. That’s when he began calling to another Chukar in the rock pile that I hadn’t seen.
Eventually I spotted Chukar #2. At first, only its head was sticking out from the rocks but when I moved my pickup I could see a little more of the bird.
By then Chukar #1 had decided that he wanted to join #2, that in this photo he’s calling softly to. But in order to do so he first had to hop down from the rock he was on. Those are midges in the air around him.
He prepared carefully…
and then…
he dropped into the void. Freefalling. He didn’t open his wings one tiny bit.
When he landed I cut off his feet. Dammit.
Here he’s back on the gravel of the parking lot and working his way to the other Chukar which was to his left, even though he’s looking to his right.
That’s when things started to get just a little weird.
By now both Chukars were so close to me I couldn’t fit even one of them in the frame. They were both very deliberately heading toward my pickup, as if they were challenging it. And me. For a few moments I thought they might go beneath my pickup.
At the last second, they both veered off into the vegetation next to the shore of the marina. I never saw them again.
This is the last shot I got of either bird as they were about to disappear into the vegetation. The photo is full frame (uncropped). I’m only including it to show how close they were. A few seconds earlier they’d been significantly closer.
My experience with these Chukars was a wonderful way to end my morning on the island. Made even better because I wasn’t having trouble with heat waves causing soft shots, so this time my photos were actually sharp.
Ron
The perfect Chukar bookends to your day! Love the portrait! I could see that one on rotation in your camping trailer.
Oh I’m so late (busy day, darn it) but have to come here to say: I love all these photos of this charming bird so wonderfully captured by you,
but, like Diane, I’m a BIG fan of the penultimate (love that word) shot where he appears to be strutting his stuff on the runway! Eat your hearts out, supermodels!
Chris, you can be late any time.
A brilliant series – the portrait image is superb.
I’m glad you like that one. Thanks, Gary.
You got your truck back??? These pix are amazing. They are a beautiful bird. Thanks for sharing.
Yup, got it back a few days ago. So far, so good. Thanks, Judy.
Lovely series! I like so many of them. Are you still driving the powder blue Bronco? Wondered what to watch for when I am out so I don’t pass you by.
Nope, I’m back to driving my pickup. Finally! Thanks, April.
What a delightful start to my day. I adore the portrait.
Yay the beagle boys…
Thanks, EC. I like that portrait a lot.
I’ve been to Antelope Island twice now and never seen a Chucker! I adore all the beautiful pics you got! What a win, win day for you!
They can be elusive, Linda. Here’s a hint – they’re usually much easier to find very early in the morning.
Those masked bandits are so cute! Love the portrait shot very much. Hope to see a Chukar one day!
Kathleen, they look especially good this time of year. When they’re molting they can look extremely rough around the edges.
These are stunning photos, Ron! Excellent studies of distinctive birds. Thanks.
Thank you, Kathryn.
As I’m looking at these photos and reading about your morning, a couple of quail have been loudly calling back and forth from various spots in the neighborhood – “Where are you? Where are you?”
I’m pretending I’m on Antelope Island!
Now that you mention it Carolyn, I don’t think I’ve seen any quail in my neighborhood all winter or so far this spring. Very unusual.
I like what Kate said.
That portrait shot is excellent!
Questions re photo #4: Do Chukars rest on one leg like raptors? Perhaps I am too focused on raptors, and all birds do this?
Michael, as far as I know, all birds do it on occasion – including Chukars.
Super series!
Thanks, Charlotte.
Excellent find and captures Ron!
Luv the portrait. 
Have a suicidal Northern Flicker determined to drill out a hole in the house that used to have antenna wires going through it – plugged it but wanting to work around it.
No question, Judy. Those flickers can be a nuisance at times.
WOW. What a fine collection of captures in only one morning! I
especially appreciated #2 ; I’ve never before been aware of the subtle “fawn” shadings on chukars’ dorsal aspect…the rest of the markings evoke for me the sure and powerful hand of a Japanese
calligrapher……also, several of these images seem capture a sentient or contemplative quality in the bird-maybe my imagination ?
Thanks, Kris. Imagination or not, if it’s there it’s real, I’d say.
A great Chukar day! Lovely portrait, and the song “Free Falling” is now in my head.
“the song “Free Falling” is now in my head.”
Brett, I got the same earworm when I was writing the text this morning.
Great series, Ron. I love the free fall, but the second to the last photo is priceless- Chukar doing the high-fashion runway walk! Thanks for making me smile!
“Chukar doing the high-fashion runway walk!”
He was even sashaying his butt a little. Thanks, Diane.
A wonderful series of a delightful bird! Next best thing to being there. Thanks
Thank you, Kate.