October Birding News from Avalon Bird Store.com

The Ring-necked Pheasant, which is so popular as a game bird in the Midwest, was first introduced into the United States via California in 1857. Large numbers were later released in Oregon throughout the 1880's. The species has done very well in the Northern states as well as Canada. This hearty bird weighs from two to three pounds and can withstand rigorous winters as long as it can find a food supply. It seems those ice storms and deep crusty snow, which prevent them from reaching waste grain in our farm fields, are their greatest wintertime enemies. The various state DNR Officials regulate the hunting seasons according to the number of birds available. Because of their size and strength, the Pheasant can survive conditions that would wipe out the smaller bobwhite Quail. These birds are normally ground nesters and this years heavy and frequent rains are believed to have badly affected their survival rate. Experience suggests that a year or two of good nesting conditions will restore them to a normal population.

The male is about one third larger than the female and will gather as many of them as he can into his harem. He will defend his territory against all other competing males until the females have all left to care for their nests. She lays an average of ten to twelve eggs that take about twenty-four days to hatch. When the chicks hatch, within a few hours of each other, they are what is termed "precocial" and will be ready to follow their mother and feed themselves in about twelve hours. Within a week, they can fly four to five feet and will be feeding profusely. The food supply includes many types of insect matter, various grains and wild fruits. This varied diet allows them to flourish in many types of habitat. There is one brood per year unless a problem arises and a second clutch will follow immediately. She will occasionally lay her eggs in the nests of Quail, Grouse and Teal or other ducks.

In the winter, Pheasants seem to flock up according to sex. These flocks can range from just a few to sometimes hundreds but the average is more like a dozen to thirty or forty. The males are reasonably cordial towards one another until February or March and then competition for territory starts in earnest and the breeding and nesting start in April and May. First year males are not much competition to a more mature male and if they don't display and remain quiet, are tolerated in his defended territory. These districts range from three to nine acres and the older more aggressive males seem to command the larger areas. The territory defense by the male starts with a lot of crowing and wing flapping. Their crowing sounds a bit like a young Bantam Rooster just learning the art. The display toward the hen includes tail fanning and the dropping of a wing as he approaches her.

Natural enemies, besides weather, are Hawks, Horned Owls, Fox and Coyotes. As many Pheasants as these predators take, it doesn't compare to severe weather. We have many non profit organizations that are fighting hard to maintain habitat and food supplies for these splendid birds.

Many urban bird feeders claim these handsome birds as regulars to their yards. They are best attracted to a secluded or covered spot where they readily eat cracked or whole kernel corn as well as many other seeds. If you sight one or hear one crowing, try to entice them to a meal - especially if the natural food is hard to come by.

AT THE BIRDFEEDER THIS MONTH

With the molt over, many birds should be returning to the feeding stations by now. The Juncos will show up this month as well as the White Throated Sparrow. A White Crowned or Fox Sparrow may choose your yard if the habitat suits them. These birds can make fall and winter special for you.

The Ducks and Geese are edgy to head South and will be seen in large flocks, in and around larger ponds and lakes, as well as our larger rivers.

If you are thinking about new feeders or new types of feeding, contact the store or website where you acquired this news note and they can be of great assistance to you. The things we offer each winter include feeders for Sunflower, Safflower, Nyjer seed, Suet and Peanuts. We also maintain an ice free source of water and this helps attract the Goldfinch, Robins and Cedar Waxwings. Habitat is also important so you should see your local Garden Center who specializes in Bird attracting plants and make plans for next spring. This also keeps your mind occupied and you can almost imagine the improvement these plants will make as well as the beautification of your yard.



This article courtesy of http://www.birdwatcherscentral.com.
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