A reference only for those well too up on the various hypotheses for the origin of bird flight, but one which directly references this critter, the chukar partridge:
Although it might look like it, it’s not actually running but was standing statically in this odd pose when I took the photo. See at the Beijing Zoo, but for a wild example try here. Sorry, I’m very busy again and off at the weekend to check out a mystery museum and dig site, more proper posts to come soon. Honest.
I like chuckers. Up here we’ve got ptarmagins and grouse, both of which occupy basically the same niche as chuckers. Neither bird is particularly fond of flying–the most they do is to get out of your way and into a short tree, preferably one with low-hanging branches.
Both birds also use their wings to beat up opponents and fluff them out to appear larger and more threatening. I’ve been chased by many an angry grouse (males are crazy during the breeding season) and they beat their wings very hard!
I don’t know what that photo looks like in full resolution, but on a computer monitor it looks much like a painting. Painting or photograph, nice composition.
I think it’s just the haze in the air that gives it the tonal quality, but thanks for the compliment.
Love the title.
I agree with Alan. The colors and composition are exquisite. Seriously, you should submit this one to a photo competition.
Very kind, but I really don’t think it’s that great – the background for a start is hardly the best composition / arrangement (not that I had much control over that).
My wife (who knows whereof she speaks) agreed you would have to ‘shop the background to get what an artist would consider acceptable composition.