One of my photographic goals each spring is to catch a great shot of the Ringneck Pheasants that live in my local park (Kissena Park). I was totally amazed when I first discovered a few years ago that we had pheasants living in a city park! Since then, I have often heard their distinct calls, but rarely get to see them. By "them" I mean the males, which are the only ones I have ever seen. I have gotten some good shots of them. Up until today, I had never seen a female.
As sunrise is earlier and earlier these spring mornings, I've been able to get out on my morning walk earlier too - and just around sunrise is the best time to catch some "pheasant action". I was out even earlier than usual this morning, and it sure paid off for me!
First, this male pheasant popped out of the tall grass right in front of me:
I stopped short and slowly got my camera in position. He stopped too, frozen for a few moments, giving me time to zoom in and catch some great poses:
Then he decided he'd had enough and started to run back the way he came:
Back into the tall grass he ran:
This would have been enough for me!! I was absolutely thrilled to have gotten these shots. But then I saw some other movement in the tall grass:
A female!! I couldn't believe my luck! I crept around to the other side of the thicket and was treated to this rare sight!!
And then both together!!!
What a fantastic way to start the day!!!!!!!
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