Ring Necked Pheasant - II

The second "5" Star Ring Necked Pheasant photo comes from the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in Northern California. However, Ring Necked Pheasants aren't native in North America --- Originally, they were only native in Asia. However, it is the most popular game bird in the world so many were brought to the northern parts of the US specifically for hunting. In many areas, the birds are bred and then release for hunting. Many generations of those that weren't kill (feral birds) have become so plentiful in the US that they are assumed to be native. Many have found their way to protected areas such as Sacramento NWR.

 I particularly like the close up which shows the detail and coloration of this beautiful bird.

Ring Necked Pheasant

Ring Necked Pheasant

As I mentioned yesterday, the Ring Necked Duck doesn't have a clearly visible ring. However, in the case of the Ring Necked Pheasant the ring is clearly visible. I like the green background in this photo. It allows the bird to jump out at you.

Ring Necked Pheasant

Two for One: Ring Necked Pheasant & American Bittern

Luck is a major part of being a Wildlife Photographer. Obviously you need to be in a place and at a time when you might get lucky. In other words, put yourself in the place with the most potential. Such a place was Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Finding a Ring Necked Pheasant takes time. Finding an American Bittern requires time and luck. Finding both together, within the same photographic frame, is a once in a lifetime event. And produced a "5" Star Photo:

Ring Necked Pheasant & American Bittern