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.
Pheasants are one of the dimmest of birds but friendly.........He is safe till August bar knocking the wing mirror off my van.
ReplyDeleteCracking pair of shots Phil; but I do like that Pheasant. :)
ReplyDeleteThe expression on the pheasant's face says everything!
ReplyDeleteI think there are few, if any, resident birds to rival a cock pheasant for the beauty of its colouring.
ReplyDeleteI 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..
ReplyDeleteThe pluameg at this time of year is immaculate, isn't it keith...?
ReplyDeletehi lotusleaf, I had a chemistry master at school that reserved a similar expression for pupils that were misbehaving in the back row of class...
ReplyDeleteBeautifully colourful post Phil, the intensity is amazing.
ReplyDeleteHi Toffeapple, I love the way some of the feathers are iridescent when the sun strikes them..
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