I always feel fortunate when I am able to photograph Chukars in the snow on the island because it helps to make them more visible than they are during other seasons of the year when they can easily blend into the habitat there.

Bright winter day on snow-covered Antelope IslandBright winter day on snow-covered Antelope Island – Nikon D200, f11, 1/1000, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 20mm, natural light

Five years ago today I spent the morning photographing birds, coyotes and scenery on snow-covered Antelope Island State Park, it was definitely cold so my hands got numb a few times but it was beautiful, the air was clean and the sunshine felt great. I absolutely love it when the island is covered in snow and because of that I think winter can be a great time to visit the island.

Chukar calling in the snow on a bright winter dayChukar calling in the snow on a bright winter day – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

This Chukar was near a small flock and it appeared to be the guard bird that was keeping an eye out for predators in the sky and on the ground while the other birds were foraging nearby. This bird called a few times while I photographed it.

Chukar calling on snow-covered Antelope IslandChukar calling on snow-covered Antelope Island – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

Not long after I took this photo this Chukar saw or heard something that alarmed it which caused the bird to take off running and the rest of the flock followed suit. I never saw what alarmed the bird. Being inside a mobile blind can be a pain that way because the roof obscures much of my view of the sky overhead.

I’m just happy I had a few minutes to photograph the Chukar in the snow.

Life is good.

Mia

To view more of my Chukar photos plus facts and information about this species click here.