Chukar on top of a mound of snow next to a road – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/3200, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR at 321mm, natural light, not baited
Yes, more Chukars in the snow! I spotted this Chukar on top of a mound of snow that the plow had pushed to the side of the road on Antelope Island State Park. It appeared to be the sentinel bird for others that were feeding nearby and it gave me some nice poses in good light.
Mound of snow and a Chukar – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR at 328mm, natural light, not baited
I took some vertical and horizontal images of the Chukar since it gave me the time to compose and reframe my shots.
Antelope Island Chukar in the snow – Nikon D300, f9, 1/800, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light, not baited
This image was taken on Antelope Island too but on a different day. As I recall is was very chilly that morning and the Chukars I saw were fluffed up against the cold.
High key Chukar on Antelope Island – Nikon D300, f8, 1/1250, ISO 400, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light, not baited
This image was also taken on a different day in dimmer light than those above which gave me a high key effect.
I’ve certainly had ample opportunities to photograph Chukars in the snow this year and right now I can’t wait until I can start taking images with spring green grass in them!
Life is good.
Mia
To view more of my Chukar photos plus facts and information about this species click here.
I have just started dipping in to your wonderful website; WOW!!!!!
I am smiling broadly as I had no idea that these guys were called Chukars………..over here (UK) they are known as red legged or French Partridge however I had nick named them Chukka’s because of the wonderful noise they make!!!!!
Your photography is a real inspiration…………thank you!
Thank you all for you wonderful comments on these images!
Kathleen, there are times of the year that Chukars are more timid but for the most part they can be fairly cooperative on Antelope Island.
Ingrid, I am glad you won’t get tired of my Chukar in the snow images, I have taken so many this winter that I’ll be editing and sharing them for a long time to come!
Hi! Love looking at these little birds and the SNOw!!!! Great shots so vivid! Have a fun day
I love their feet and all that hiking in the snow. Hopefully it’ll all be over soon.
Beautiful shots, Mia! The white snow so nicely contrasts the pretty colors of the Chukar! This fellow had some nice modeling skills as well:)
These snowy images have been great to look at on 100 degree days but I cannot work out why their feet don’t freeze.
Can I say that I’ll never get enough of your Chukars in the Snow series? The color contrasts, their movements and their behaviors are so captivating.
Snow, green grass, desert scrub – it’s interesting the bird’s behavior will be the same. I love the colors and lines of these birds and the contrast the snow provides.
It doesn’t hurt that they have been expertly photographed, either!
That first pose looks like quite the balancing act!
Beautiful birds. They are game birds in Britain, more the pity. It is a colourful.
Great bird, almost comical! Nice shot Mia.
I have never seen a Chukar in person before, but at least I can view your fabulous images. Very cool birds, so beautifully photographed!
They look like such fun birds! I had never heard of them until you began posting images. I’ve never had a chance to bird in your region of the country. (Some day!) How timid are they?