For the past few weeks, the local pheasant population seems to have settled down: all the shifting of allegiances over, and the hens in their harems. We've had regular visits of five hens and a cock to the bird table, but yesterday and today, there are only four hens. I hope the missing one has found another husband - but I'm afraid she has much more likely been run over by a car, or eaten by a fox. (There are some small shoots round here, but I haven't heard them over the weekend.)
The picture shows "Phil" - a semi-tame pheasant who was around two years ago and came every day to take corn or layer's pellets from the hand, every afternoon when I fed the pony. This year's crop are much more skittish, and run away when I go out to put corn down for them (crests comically raised in the hens, or the cock squawking loudly.)
[update, 06/03/2007]: It seems my little friend was just off for a dirty weekend or two with another man: she is back with her friends again. Other man has a broken tail and looks quite disconsolate!
13/02/07 @ 10:59