Pheasants on the Loose!

10 days ago, Deryl noticed close to 100 Ring-necked Pheasants running loose, outside of the caged area at the Pheasant farm in rural Lambton County.

This past weekend, they were still roaming free. I can't imagine trying to catch a pheasant and it doesn't look like they have had any success, if they have been trying!

Most of the birds were wearing plastic blinders resembling "Elton John" glasses. 

The blinders prevent cannibalism which is a problem with captive birds.

It was difficult finding a pheasant without the glasses.

From a distance, a handful of the birds appeared to be black but were an iridescent green/purple when viewed up close. It is known as a melanistic colour variation.

Signs of Beaver at the Pinery.

A couple of other pics from our Pinery visit on the same day. Beaver have been extremely busy along the Riverside trail. 

We found evidence of a newer lodge, visible from the boardwalk.