My entry into the Animal Photography challenge this week is a portrait of one of several wild female pheasants who have recently befriended me:
Every morning for the past few weeks I have been greeted by one or more of my seven 'Long Girls', appearing from the bushes and undergrowth, chattering to me, waiting patiently, chilling or running around my feet amongst the chickens as though humans are nothing to be afraid of. Bear in mind that these are completely wild birds, and although still youngsters, all are fully grown. One day they just appeared with their Dad, our old friend 'Jack', who had been missing for several months. Here he is, lurking behind the grain bins:
I'm quite sure these young ladies have been here watching me for their entire lives, but they have only chosen to make themselves known to me in their own good time. As ever, it humbles me to be accepted and trusted by any wild creature, but most especially by a prey animal who has no place trusting us two-leggeds at ALL. Add to that the fact that female pheasants are much shyer than their male family members, and it just feels like such a privilege to have them so relaxed and confident around me. I am profoundly grateful for this experience.