 Spring time Chukar – Nikon D300, f13, 1/320, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Some of the wildflowers have started to bloom on Antelope Island State Park and I have looked forward to seeing them. I liked that this spring time Chukar perched on a rock where a few of the Redstem Filaree were visible.
Redstem Filaree abounds on Antelope Island State Park but it is likely that they are overlooked by many people because they are so tiny and hug the ground very closely. I’ve never observed Chukars eating the stems or blossoms but I suspect they might eat the seeds of the filaree later on in the season.
Mia
Great photo of the Chukar! I would love to see one of these interesting looking birds someday!!
I hope you do see a Chukar soon Tammy! Thanks.
Gorgeous Chukar Mia! Love the colors and the composition. I must say that the juvenile Black Skimmer on your header is one of the most incredible bird photos I have ever seen!! Let me guess, you buried yourself in the sand with only your head sticking out and used a remote shutter release? ;-D
Larry, as I recall I found a little trench in the sand that was caused by high waves cresting over the spit of sand I was on, that placed me lower than the bird. My lens was resting on the sand and I probably looked camoflauged to the Skimmer in my drab looking hiking clothes. Thank you for the glowing comment on the Skimmer image and for your comment on the Chukar image too.
Beautiful shot Mia. There’s no better place to see Chukar’s than your site. Do you know what the little bulbs are on top of the beaks? They kinda look like red ‘spree’ candy.
Larence, the two little red bulbs are the nares, or air passages for the Chukars, they sort of remind me of the little cinnamon candy “Red Hots”. Thanks for your wonderful comment on these images.
The markings on the Chukars are so different. It’s amazing. Carol
Carol, those markings can either make the bird stand out or make the Chukar nearly invisible in the right setting. Guess that is how they hide from their predators. Thank you for your comment.
I’m glad you said something about the Chukar – my focus was totally on the flowers, I would have missed it 😉
awesome photo!
Thanks! I appreciate your comments and for noticing the bird! 😉
How beautiful with the little flower!
Judy, those little flowers are almost through blooming, I wish their season would last longer. The Gray’s Biscuitroot season too. Thank you.
Would love to see one of these! Wonderful photo!
Debbie, I would love for you to see a Chukar, they are fun birds. Thank you.
Beautiful photo of the Chukar. The only place that I can see them are on your posts. 🙂
Bob, I hope that you get to see and photograph a Chukar soon. Thank you!