We came face-to-face with this fine cock pheasant when we were walking through Backstone Bank Wood, on the edge of Tunstall Reservoir in Weardale this morning. Just as we crested a ridge in the path, there he was, decked out in magnificent feathers and a sporting a threatening countenance - probably because he was comfortable sitting beside the path in the sun and resented being disturbed. Pheasant rearing is becoming increasingly popular around here and these birds have zero road-sense, sometimes dawdling around in the road pecking grit. I suspect as many end up as road-kill as are shot.
A little further around the reservoir we found this muscovy duck preening its beautiful metallic-hued plumage, enjoying the weak February sunshine and maybe dreaming of warmer weather in its native Mexico.
9 comments:
Pheasants are one of the dimmest of birds but friendly.........He is safe till August bar knocking the wing mirror off my van.
Cracking pair of shots Phil; but I do like that Pheasant. :)
The expression on the pheasant's face says everything!
I think there are few, if any, resident birds to rival a cock pheasant for the beauty of its colouring.
I know what you mean Adrian, I almost had one come through my windscreen the other day, when it had decided to take a leasurely glide across a dual carriageway..
The pluameg at this time of year is immaculate, isn't it keith...?
hi lotusleaf, I had a chemistry master at school that reserved a similar expression for pupils that were misbehaving in the back row of class...
Beautifully colourful post Phil, the intensity is amazing.
Hi Toffeapple, I love the way some of the feathers are iridescent when the sun strikes them..
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