Backyard entertainment!

When our morning curtains part the show begins, lasting off and on, all through the day.

              Backyard birds. Our backyard is a bird haven. Not just in the warm months, some varieties are here year round. Smaller birds lodge near during warmer months, but two gigantic pine trees seem to be the permanent home for a flock of magpies and they provide plenty of diversion for our observation. Such smart winged creatures, and beautiful as well. I am well aware that they are looked down upon by the human species, but I love them. 

            However, they are not the Lord of our winter backyard. That title goes to a handsome cock pheasant who has somehow eluded the hunters that are about each fall pheasant season. He strides through the yard/orchard at will, not threatened in the least by the black and white scavengers. He is a wise one and the magpies do not mess with him. Today he flew up and knocked one of the apples off a tree in our orchard, high in its branches. He proceeded to drift down and enjoy his treat, magpies flying through the orchard, but not interrupting his feasting. There were more apples available, in an orchard with 10 apples trees, those black and whites could get their own if they were able.

         King Tut (my name for him) must have truly loved his apple. In the later afternoon he brought a younger pheasant cock and three hens to the orchard. Just where they are hanging out I am not sure, they leave by flight to the north east. They are gorgeous to see, fun to watch.

          Now the magpies are back to their normal antics. They steal from the cats' food dish, boldly striding up, checking out the location of said felines  as they cock their heads to one side, then the other, and then they make their grab. Whether the cats are interested in them I know not. Sassy and Purrci are both good mousers and are keeping our vole population in check. It is their job and I am delighted to see them fulfilling it so adequately.

          In following days King Tut has ushered in a flock of about a dozen pheasants, a mix of ages. They roam about, scratching and flattening the snow beneath their feet.  Evidently they find something besides apples for munching. As long as Sassy and Purrci stay near our back door the birds ignore them, but when the cats start that slow, sneaky advance in the direction of the flock the feathered creature rise, helicopter style. low to the ground and then move out as a group.  Only one left, the King, who continues to ignore the slinky shapes. The mousers change plans and retreat.    Party over.

           What is it about this #1 bird that keeps him protected?  Pride, conceit?  He is a great example of self-confidence.  Hopefully his pride will not be his downfall any day soon.