A male ring-necked pheasant runs through the woods as he hears me open the back door, too quick for me to catch more than a glimpse of his gorgeous plumage. In winter, male pheasants hang out with other males, but in spring, they begin to separate and seek their own territories. Could this one be considering making his ‘crowing ground’ in my yard?
I wonder if the male relies on his beautiful plumage or his charming personality to attract peahens to his harem. A single male is known to keep as many as a dozen females under his thumb. A couple of years ago, I saw a male boss several females around the yard, limiting their movements and giving no indication whatsoever of being ‘hen pecked.’
A male ring-necked pheasant eating crumbs in the yard earlier this month
In Cow Bay, pheasants are frequently seen crossing roads and hanging out in yards. They seem to thrive here, despite the fact that they’re a non-native oriental species. They enjoy insects, berries and seeds. Their olive green eggs are laid in a nest on the ground and hatch in late spring.
Pheasant tracks on snow
Text and photographs copyright Amy-Lynn Bell 2014
they are such a pretty bird. had to stop once on Cow Bay Road to let a momma and all her kids cross the road.
Sybil, we definitely need a ‘pheasant crossing’ sign in Cow Bay. But where to put it? And would the pheasants actually cross in that one spot? Not likely.
We have had a few pheasants here this winter. It is so hard to get a picture of them because they startle so easily. Even my movement inside the house catches their eye and they scatter.
Bonnie, I’m frequently amazed at how my indoor movements are sensed by ground birds. If you’re like me, when I see one close to the house, my first reaction is to run for the camera. Maybe we should tiptoe instead :)
Amy-Lynn, it’s so good to see you posting again. I’ve missed you! Our northern Michigan equivalent to your Cow Bay pheasants might be wild turkeys. In the winter they “herd up,” i.e., form flocks of up to 50 or more birds, but, like your pheasants, they separate for the spring courting season.
Hi Pamela, I’ve missed you too :) I’m slowly getting back into posting. I’ve never seen a wild turkey. I wonder if they’re as loud as the pheasants. I saw two males fighting with one another on the road the other day. I guess they’re in full separation mode now in time for the spring courting season as you say.
He’s a beauty. I’ll bet he thinks so, too.
Gerry, I’ll bet he does too. If he’s not eating he’s probably looking at his reflection in the vernal pools!
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