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
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
Shortly after the Chukar went on alert it moved to another spot on the snow-covered rock.
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
Then the Chukar slowed down, whatever danger it sensed was obviously gone. And there are still snow flakes on the bird.
Chukar on one foot in the snow
The Chukar stopped and appeared calm enough to raise one foot and look around, mostly at big lens pointed at it. I really love the smooth background these pictures have because the bird stands out so well from it.
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
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 me ample time to photograph it before it left.
I believe these are my best Chukar in snow photos to date. Chukars look even more striking on a thick blanket of snow. I’m sure glad I spotted and pointed out this bird.
I love Chukars in snow!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Chukar photos plus facts and information about this species.
*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.
Hi! I can feel for their feet it is snowy and in the 20’s here today! I Chuk-aled too when I look at your great pictures. Thanks for making my day! Fab-u-les shots. Have a great weekend
Thanks Mom!! Glad you got some snow too, I know how much you love it!
Mia, I miss seeing chukars! I use to have them in my yard at times when I lived in Clearfield! You got some wonderful shots and I think birds always close their eyes when scratching, don’t they? Anyways, it look natural that way. He looks like he is really concentrating on his scratching! LOL!
Kathie, be glad you aren’t in Utah today, I-15 and I-215 are skating rinks, we are having and ice/rain event, a lot of accidents on side roads too.
I hope you get up here this year to see the Chukars again… when it is warmer and NOT coated in ice.
I really like this series. I love the succession of activity and the pleasing contrast/blending (I know, that’s contradictory) of the bird with the snow.
Thanks wally and I understand just what you mean
I thank you for introducing me to this bird.
A pleasure Maria
The snow is such a perfect backdrop for these guys it really makes their gray plumage pop. You did a great job with this one and I really like the “I got snow in my eye” one!
Thanks Sherry, this bird was such fun to photograph.
You can really see, from these photos, that if the chukar huddled in a tight ball, it might appear to just be a rock in the snow…. Seeing the rear of a bird is as important as it’s brilliant parts. Many thanks… They surely give you a chuckle watching them…
Thank you Merrill, they do make me “chuk le”
Love them all, but my favorites are #5 Chukar slowly walking in snow and #6 Chukar with one foot raised. It’s so cute when they pull their heads back and they look plump and happy. Very well done, Mia. Especially in the cold snow!
Thank you Kelly, they do look plump.
Beautiful!
Thanks Beverly!
I especially enjoy seeing the blue and rose in its plumage! These are becoming favorite birds for me! Thanks,
Fern
They are beautiful birds Fern, thanks for commenting.
Beautiful in the snow, I love your photos.
Thanks much Bob!
Fantastic images Mia, I especially like the very first one:)
Thank you Susan!