Yawning Chukar – Nikon D300, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 285mm, natural light
Yesterday it looked like I was going to get skunked, the clouds kept moving in and out, mostly in when there was a bird nearby and out when there weren’t any birds around. The wind was blowing, not nearly a gale but it was coming from the north and felt icy and wind can often times keep birds down. I’d gotten a few Western Meadowlark images I didn’t feel were going to be that great so I felt skunked.
Before leaving Antelope Island near the marina, I spotted this early spring Chukar on a boulder and in between the shadows of the clouds racing by I was able to take a few well lit images. The Chukar wasn’t calling in this frame, it was yawning.
Calling Chukar – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 235mm, natural light
Before too long I heard the sound of wings and the noises that Chukars make when they are disturbed or flying (or both) nearby and this Chukar reacted to their presence by calling.
Chukar stretching – Nikon D300, f8, 1/400, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 235mm, natural light
And it also did a stretch. I wish the stretched out wing actually showed in this image but I don’t get to see them stretch often so I am happy.
Chukar calling in early spring – Nikon D300, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 285mm, natural light
Right after it stretched it began calling again. The call can be heard here, a little more than half way down the page. It is breeding season for the Chukars so I expect I’ll be hearing them quite often.
Chukar on a boulder – Nikon D300, f8, 1/500, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 228mm, natural light
Some times there is one bird that makes (or perhaps saves) a day, yesterday it was this Chukar for me. I can say I didn’t get skunked!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Chukar photos plus facts and information about this species.
I would love to get skunked like this. I’ve never seen a Chukar. It’s on my short list of birds with “science fiction plumage.”
One day you’ll have to travel out here Dave, we have Chukars galore on Antelope Island! They do have a sort of sci-fi plumage thing going on.
Wow, the colors in these photos are spectacular. I especially love the stretching. I’m jealous of your talent Mia.
Bryce, I’m jealous of your painting and drawing talent. But I can now wear your art on my back! Love the T Shirts you did for hawk Watch International, Ron gave me one as a gift.
Beautiful spring day with the Chukar.
It was a beautiful day Bob, thank you!
Amused by the actions and always enjoy seeing your Chukars. We don’t get them here, the closest is Grey Partridge.
Jane, we have Gray Partridges here too but not as many as Chukars and they are far harder to locate. I did see some a few weeks ago up near Golden Spike National Monument.
it s nice to see all the positions he takes for you, like in studio lol
well done mia ☺
Thanks Eric, they are active birds.
Glad you didn’t get skunked!! Really beautiful shots of a really lovely bird!
Thanks Lynn, I was glad I didn’t get skunked too, it sure looked like I might
It feels like spring just looking at the light in these, Mia. And I love the series – when you scroll through them quickly it almost looks like it’s doing a dance 🙂
Thank you Tami!
Such a pretty bird and so glad you didn’t get skunked. We had gale force winds yesterday and not only were the birds down so were we…in the house!
Sherry, those gale force winds do force birds and people down! I prefer to be inside when it is howling. Thanks for your comment.
What nice scenery you have now that everything is melting, those shrubs look really nice.
Thanks Maria, it is nice to see things starting to green up here.
Great shooting Mia, nicely blogged. Love your work! 🙂
Thank you very much Ricky!
wonderful shots Mia, a really pretty bird.
Thanks Dan, I just love their plumage!