Herb Riddle's photos with the keyword: Pheasant

Seen on our way around Fountains Abbey. This is the male (Phasianus colchicus) with is very distinctive colourings. It is in a small area of garlic plants and so my nose twitches. These will have been bred at the abbey and nearby county estates for game and so when we see these we always hope that they are safe from being shot. See PiP for closer view of the garlic. Best full screen Enjoy the day.

Our Dovestones reservoir area is surrounded in part by private land and some of that is used to rear pheasants in order to 'shoot' them for sport at various times of the year. Those birds are then eaten as a fine delicacy here in Britain. The pheasants whilst alive live a good life no doubt, with lots of easy good food left for them in very nice countryside. However many stray to different area's and here is one that I have shot with my camera whilst I could hear real shootings across the next distant reservoirs. Of course my wife and I was calling good luck to this escapee. Enjoy full size and continue to enjoy the Christmas break.