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Post by JeffOver on Apr 11, 2006 18:36:33 GMT -8
Hi all, My sister-in-law who lives in Ontario saw a chukar in Michigan the other day. According to Sibley's and the blue book "Birds of North America" chukars are nowhere near Michigan. Could this be a wild bird way out of its range? Or do people keep chukars as pets and it is an escapee?  She took this picture of it. --Jeff  |
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Post by Gord on Apr 11, 2006 20:30:29 GMT -8
Jeff, Id say you're right on the escapee speculation. Him scampering over the cement sure makes him look at least a little accustomed to people. Chukars are kept in collections and released for hunting on private land and field dog trials. They of course wander widely. Similar to ring-necked pheasents but the pheasents survive the wet and cold of the coast better. Last winter I saw a Chukar run across the road in Deroche (east of Mission) It turned out a field dog competition was taking place and they released a couple dozen. I, personally, dont like the practice of releasing non-native creatures.
Cool you have people keeping you informed of interesting sightings!
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Post by Dave on Apr 11, 2006 21:11:06 GMT -8
Hi Jeff, Yes, I have to agree with Gord. I don't think I would count it as a wild bird. The concrete does not help. If it was scampering around at the bottom of some rocky cliffs it may be a bit more convincing.  I have a birding relative in Michigan and chukar is not even on the list as an accidental. By the way, I have seen chukar at the bottom of the Vaseux Cliffs in December. It is only 3 hours from CHWK.  |
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