Chukar Partridge on Antelope Island

 

When I am on Antelope Island, I am always on the lookout for Chukars. Usually I examine the rocks in the hope of seeing one or two Chukars sitting on them. This time I spotted the Chukar on the top of the hill in a very unusual place.

During our meeting, the bird surprised me even more; it kept showing only its back.  It was very impolite but from time to time the Chukar mercifully turned her head showing its shining eyes - rather one eye - and that was enough.

Chukar gave me an opportunity to study her tail, which I had never seen before. The tail seemed short and rounded.  The tail feathers perfectly matched the overall coloration of bird.  

Generally, life is good.

Chukar Partridge During Sunrise

As the sun rises it gets warmer and it's time to perch on the rocks and observe the world. 

Would it be better to fly to a more secluded place and feel safer?  

Generally, life is good.

Chukar Partridge or Simply Chukar

This morning I encountered a Chukar Partridge in a very unusual location on Antelope Island.  The Chukar was perching peacefully on a rock and for a few precious minutes it allowed me to take a few photos.

Chukars breed in the summer.  During courtship, the male has to show many wonderful qualities to the female in order to win her heart.

He shows that he can be a good provider. He pecks at food and the female may also come to peck at it.
If it doesn't work, the male Chukar tries to show the female what a great singer he is.  Most female Chukars find the male voice irresistible. When Chukars form a pair they remain together through many seasons.
Generally, life is good.

Chukar Partridge on Antelope Island

This morning I joined those who were eager to get out of the house and spend a time in nature after a snow storm and, if I'm lucky, photograph at least one lazy bison dozing in the snow on Antelope Island.

The first bird I saw made me stop and point at it my "telescope", that is my telephoto lens, which often serves as a "telescope", and to, my indescribable joy, I saw a Chukar Partridge in my viewfinder.    

Сhukar Partridges live on Antelope Island, but I have never seen them there.  I read that over the past few years population of Chukars on island has decreased  and there are not many of them. 

I still find it hard to believe that I was so lucky to photograph this incredible bird.

It's my second encounter with Chukar.  The last time I had a chance to photograph it was in October, 2018 in Farmington Bay.

Generally, life is good!

Chukar Partridge

or simply Chukar.

I found Chukar at Farmington Bay.  There were two of them
but one was hiding in the grass and the bird on the pictures was peacefully
wondering around.
***
Chukars breed in summer.  During courtship the male has to show the 
female many wonderful qualities to win her heart.

He shows that he can be a good provider.
He pecks at food and the female may visit to peck at it also.

If it doesn't work. The male Chukar tries to show the female
 what a great singer he is.
Some female birds find the male voice irresistible.
When Chukars form a couple they stay together through many seasons.