Jerry,
   Actually the Atlas does mention Chukar, though without comment, in Appendix D, Vagrants.  Chukars are seen irregularly in the state and all are presumed escapes from game farms where they are commonly stocked for hunters.  They have been reported before from northern Frederick County, in 1985.  I believe the USNM has two specimens from Maryland.  It has never been considered part of Maryland's avifauna.
   As for listing it, you keep your own list.  Of course, you need to be able separate it from the very similar Red-legged Partridge which is less commonly stocked.


>
> From: Gerald & Laura Tarbell <>
> Date: 2004/10/07 Thu PM 01:05:52 EDT
> To: 
> Subject: [MDOSPREY] Chukar in Frederick County
>
> Driving over to the Catoctins this AM I spotted a bird along the edge of
> Long's Mill Road between New Cut Road and a little spot on the map named
> Creagerstown. My first reaction was 'oh goodie - a Piedmont bobwhite. Nice'.
> Then as I got to the bird I saw very clearly that it was no bobwhite.
> Clearly a chukar, which I've never seen before but since I had Sibley's with
> me, I had no problem making an identification.
>     The book says they are game farm releases for hunting, but so far have
> failed to become established anywhere. The Maryland Atlas doesn't even
> mention the bird. Any further insight out there?  Any body know the history
> of these birds in Frederick Co.? Would anybody add it to a list if they saw
> one?
>     Jerry
>

Bob Ringler
Eldersburg MD