Ring-necked Pheasants are a fairly common sight in the Cow Bay area. It’s not unusual to see them crossing the road, strutting on the side of the road or through yards. They move quickly and the males crow quite loudly. Less frequently seen in the winter, they still leave the woods for occasional visits.
The peahens don’t usually come out in the open as much as the males. The above photo is of tracks in the woods taken before the last snowfall. There are lots of new ones zigzagging across the front yard today but the snow is falling so quickly that they’ll soon be covered.
Male pheasant strolling in the backyard
Yesterday I heard a male crowing several times in the yard. Could he already be defending a territory that might include at least two females? (There were two peahens in the yard yesterday). This behaviour is known as ‘harem-defence polygyny’ and is practiced by male pheasants. Supposedly they don’t mate until April so it’s still early. But Spring is on its way. If only among the pheasants.
Pheasant eating sunflower seeds
More wonderful temporary structures – works of natural art…?
Indeed. They’re not only beautiful, but they also spark the imagination as one can’t help but wonder about the creature who made them.
We’re in Waterloo IA and for the first time in 7 years living in this neighborhood we have seen a ring-necked pheasant three times in the past two weeks. We have also noticed unfamiliar tracks in the snow and in checking your site, these are obviously from the pheasant. Thank you for helping in our identification.
Marilyn, these spectacular birds are quite the sight. Around my neighborhood, they act like they own the place. Glad you found what you were looking for here.