Fluffed up Chukar in snow Fluffed up Chukar in snow

These Chukar images were taken last Friday and this bird is the same one in my post titled “Some fun with birds from yesterday“, I wanted to share more photos of it. Snow was still falling lightly when I started taking these pictures and a few flakes of it still show on the Chukar’s plumage.

Alert Chukar in snow Alert Chukar in snow

I’m not sure why the Chukar went on alert but it seemed to be trying to stop itself from calling out. There were probably more Chukars in the area but I couldn’t spot them.

Chukar running down a snow-covered rock Chukar running down a snow-covered rock

Shortly after the Chukar went on alert it moved to another spot on the snow-covered rock.

Chukar and flying snow Chukar and flying snow

I like how this image shows snow flying near the Chukar’s foot as it hurried down the r0ck.

Chukar slowly walking in snow Chukar slowly walking in snow

Then the Chukar slowed down, whatever danger it sensed was obviously gone. And there are still snow flakes on the bird.

Chukar with one foot raised Chukar with one foot raised

The Chukar stopped and appeared calm enough to raise one foot and look around, mostly at the two big lenses pointed at it. I really love the smooth background these pictures have because the bird stands out so well from it.

Chukar scratching Chukar scratching

I think those tiny snow flakes caused the bird to scratch vigorously for a few seconds but it could have been something else too. I do wish the Chukar’s eye had been open when I took this image.

Chukar in the snow Chukar in the snow

The Chukar went back to a relaxed pose for a few minutes then took off flying very quickly. I don’t know if a predator flew over or if the Chukar might have spotted a Coyote and decided to leave but I am glad that it gave us ample time to photograph it before it left.

I love Chukars in snow!

Mia

*All images taken with a Nikon D300 at f6.3, shutter speeds of 1/1600 to 1/2000, +0.7 EV with a Nikkor 200-400mm VR lens plus a 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited.