Pheasants

On the way to class Thursday I saw a male ringed-necked pheasant just kind of hanging out in town by himself. It was a very special treat. I've been taking special notice of the animals I see, especially when their appearance is something of a surprise, or unusual, or just makes me happy to see it. I guess I feel like, in a way, it's natures way of telling me to stop and take a moment to recognize what's around you and reflect on what that can mean for you right now.

These guys were pretty common enough when I was growing up. Even though they like to hide, it wasn't unusual to see them on occasion in their natural habitat along the road or in a field. We even saw them in our backyard. They are very beautiful though. So very colorful with red, brown, purple, blue, green and gold. They are even kind of flashy with their long tail feathers. They also have a very distinctive call.

I was reminded of its distinction of being a game bird and of the days when we went hunting about this time of year. It was family time, early mornings out with the dogs walking the fields. I don't remember ever shooting one myself.  Even though they do fly, their first instinct is to hide. (that's what the dogs were for, to flush them out). Flying at that point often meant getting shot.