High key Gray Partridge on a winter whiteout – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 1000, +2.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Snow continues to pass by where I live in northern Utah this winter so I thought I’d bring some snow to my site with a high key Gray Partridge photo. This image was taken almost four years ago in Box Elder County on a day with low light and plenty of snow.
On that cold morning it was a pleasant surprise to find a small covey of Gray Partridge feeding at the shoulder of a plowed road way out in the country. I don’t find Gray Partridges often here in northern Utah and sometimes I go a couple of years without seeing them at all. These partridges are an introduced species that are native to Eurasia and in some locations they have naturalized. Luckily for me I know a few places where I can find these colorful, chicken-like birds.
If there had been better light that winter morning I would have been able to create images that showed more detail in the snow. I would have liked more details, however, I enjoy and appreciate high key photos because the light to white backgrounds put the focus entirely on the birds when viewing the images.
This high key Gray Partridge photo is full frame. Both of the birds were moving quickly when I photographed them and I almost clipped the tail of the hen in the front. I’m not sure I like having the second out of focus bird behind my main subject but it does add a sense depth to the image.
It did snow here at home yesterday morning and at times it came down fast and thick but it was 56°F the day before so it melted almost as fast as it fell because the ground was warm. Well before noon the snow that had fallen in the morning had disappeared. It was supposed to snow overnight, it didn’t. That has been the theme of this winter.
I really don’t enjoy having to scrape snow off of my Jeep but I’d do it gladly if we could actually get some snow before winter leaves and spring arrives. I miss the snow.
Life is good.
Mia
To view more of my Gray Partridge photos plus facts and information about this species click here.
I had no idea Gray Partridges were so colorful. Your pic is unbelievably vivid and beautiful. Thanks Mia.
Such pretty birds! I like how they stand out Lynnette Clemens the snowy background.I hope you get some snow soon! ❄️❄️❄️
Nice image. The Christmas song (in a pear tree) made me wonder what they look like. Got my vaccine yesterday in my car, window way down, my shirt off. It was no worse than a flu-shot. So I was glad for the nice weather in Brigham City. So I didn’t miss the snow but the mountains did get some.
What a spectacular shot. I do hope that you get some much needed snow. So very much.
I have always loved these photos of the gray partridges in snow. I would love to see them. I have once at a distance in the sage.
What lovely colours and they especially stand out against the white background.
Thanks for sharing as we’ve only had a dusting of snow here and haven’t had a bird snow picture yet this year.
wonderfully sharp. What a handsome bird. Also released back East. Lovely colors! Thank you