Every now and then we get an unexpected visitor at our Mashpee home-studio that makes us stop & take notice. This morning, I was looking out the window when I spotted a beautiful ring-necked pheasant patrolling the backyard. Still in my slippers, I grabbed my camera and dashed outside for a closer look. As soon as he spotted me, he got visibly nervous and headed for cover.

Measuring 20-28 inches in length, with a wingspan of 22 to 34 inches and weighing sometimes as much as 6 1/2 pounds, these colorful birds are not native to the Cape, nor to the country for that matter.

The Ring-Necked Pheasant was introduced into North America from Asia in 1857 as a game bird and over the years has become an established species over much of the continent, especially in agricultural lands.

Today, the Massachusetts Division of Fish & Wildlife stocks & maintains pheasant populations in various wildlife management areas across the Cape, including the Francis A. Crane Wildlife Management Area, which is located along Route 151 in Mashpee, just a stone’s throw from our house. It is apparently a popular area for hunting. I really can’t imagine killing one of these beautiful creatures…

A cool pheasant fact: In very bad weather, pheasants are known to stay on a roost for several days without eating. So glad I’m not a pheasant. Then again, with their diet, what are they really missing.

Pheasants eat seeds, especially cultivated grain, grasses, leaves, roots, wild fruits and nuts, and insects. We’ve seen ring-necked pheasants in our yard before and I like to think it’s because Andy has a lot of bird feeders all over…but maybe today’s visit was due to our inattention to the fallen leaves. See honey…it was good to wait another week before raking!

Whatever the reason for his visit, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that this little guy stays safe. Thanks for visiting little buddy….you’re welcome here anytime!