Adult Chukar standing on top of snow – Nikon D300, f8, 1/1600, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 200mm, natural light
I came across this photo of an adult Chukar standing in top of fresh snow the other day and felt a pang of sadness. It has been a long time since I have had a Chukar in my viewfinder and even longer still since I have seen one standing on top of fresh snow.
I took this Chukar photo on a bright but bitter cold January morning in 2013. The air was clear and the sounds of a small flock of Chukars echoed over one of the campgrounds on Antelope Island State Park. I was inside of a vehicle using it as a mobile blind. The Chukars were busy foraging for food after a snow storm the day before.
I used to see Chukars on the island practically every time I went out there. I enjoyed showing visitors like my mother and out of state friends these roly poly upland game birds or telling them where they might find the chukars if I couldn’t join my friends on the island while they were there. Pointing out a lifer Chukar for people was a wonderful feeling and most of them thanked me so profusely that I was almost embarrassed by their gratitude.
I can still vividly recall the first time I photographed one on the island myself. They seemed so at home on the island yet exotic at the same time. They are exotic. This species was introduced to North America and some of these partridges have established healthy populations in the western U.S..
I know that the Chukars are still out there on the island. I just don’t see them as often anymore and that is what made me feel sad. I love hearing, seeing, and photographing these handsome birds.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Chukar photos plus facts and information about this species.
Thank you for your superb photos and species descriptions. I first became aware of Chukars in the mid 1960’s. They are amazing little birds. I grew up in a family of hunters, my father was a game warden, (and we ate all the birds we harvested, nothing wasted). Occasionally one would have been eating wild onions and have a strong flavor. (My apologies to probably the majority of your followers.) I haven’t hunted for more than 40 years with anything other than my eyes and a camera. My father helped build a number of “guzzlers”, a water storage system, in the west desert mountains, to provide a reliable water source for them. Back then, I did not care for their call. We would have to chase them up those 20-30-degree mountain sides until they got tired of running, and they would fly to the bottom. They would then call to each other to get back together. It sure sounded like they were laughing at us! I’m sure they were.
For some more good information check out Wildlife Resources (2003 and 2021 papers);https://wildlife.utah.gov/hunting/main-hunting-page/upland-game-turkey.html
Wow! What a stunning, absolutely incredible, shot! I had no idea Chukar’s were so beautiful. In spite of the flat white background the feeling of depth you captured is remarkable. Thanks Mia.
Beautiful image. They are out there but higher up in the mountain rocks on the Island. I think with more people visiting they have gone higher were fewer people go. Even then the chukars are out a 2-3 miles from the trail heads, larger groups even farther out. I do miss the snow, I have hopes for the nest storm. I plan on rushing out to get some snow time before it is gone, I truly love snow.
Such a beautiful shot. They are such striking birds. I’m surprised that the Chukar doesn’t seem to be making any marks in the surface of the snow.
We’re getting some weather this week and next, so hopefully, you will also. We were supposed to get rain yesterday. The barometer dropped (ouch!), but apparently not enough around my house.
They are truly beautiful. Having been introduced to them by you and your friends I always love it when they grace my screen. I do hope you can see them again. Soon.
I’ve never seen a Chukar before and I love it’s coloring and markings! I hope someday they will come back to your area. Wonderful photo!
I would use that picture as my Christmas card!
Great shot~thanks so much for sharing!
Oh what a beautiful bird!
Such a beautiful bird! Sad that you don’t see them as often anymore. I hope you get lots of snow this winter.