Adult Chukar perched on a mound of snow – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR at 328mm, natural light, not baited
Eight years ago today I was out in the field photographing a Chukar and snow on Antelope Island State Park. It was sunny and very chilly that morning and a small covey of chukars were foraging for seeds next to the plowed road. This adult Chukar seemed to be a sentinel bird which means if it had spotted danger it would have let the rest of the chukars know so they could seek shelter from whatever the danger was.
These two images were taken when I used to see Chukars and snow regularly on the island during the month of February. That has changed in just eight years.
Chukar walking in deep snow – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light, not baited
I used to see Chukars on almost every trip out to Antelope Island. Now I might see them one time in twenty or more trips out there. I also used to see more snow on the island during the winter than I have been seeing the past several years.
I have been to the island twice this month and haven’t heard a single chukar calling. They should be calling.
The north end of the island is undergoing some drastic and speaking only for myself unwelcome changes because of the construction of a new campground not far from the old Bridger Bay campsites. The noise and physical disturbances caused by the heavy machinery has impacted the birds and wildlife on that end of the island.
More on that subject on a different day.
Life is good.
Mia
To view more of my Chukar photos plus facts and information about this species click here.
Great pics. Love the Chukars colors and the contrast with the snow. Thanks Mia.
There’s an eighteenth rhyme that seems analogous to the developers building new campsites on Antelope Island:
A farmer, bent on doubling the profits from his land,
Proceeded to set his soil a two-harvest demand.
Too intent thus on profit, harm himself he must needs:
Instead of corn, he now reaps corn-cockle and weeds.
Ignacy Krasicki (1735 – 1801)
Doesn’t that speak to what we are doing to our environment? Just sayin’…
I adore Chukars (and think of them as ‘beagle boys’. I am sorry that you have neither seen nor heard them and do hope that they are thriving elsewhere. April’s comment gives me hope.
I wonder if more people visiting the island has made the chukar move out into more remote areas. I have not seen any chukar by road areas but hiking back into the hills there are many amongst the rocks and sage. I hear them first with there soft calls followed by a sentry warning call then a whoosh of wings.
Wow, they are striking birds. It’s sad that they are decreasing, and sad that even after the machinery leaves, there will be campground disturbance.
Chukars are such attractive birds. I’m so sorry that “progress” is becoming a blight on the island. I really hope you get some snow and soon.
Very handsome and colorful birds!
Interesting, Mia, but very very sad.