Pheasants

Back in the Spring a cock pheasant based himself around my property. He would regularly make his call stating his territory and calling for a loved one. It was some time before I saw a hen bird and then there were two! He was so proud of himself. He is such a handsome fellow! They continued to show up throughout the summer, the hens not showing themselves as often as the cock. I let the grass grow high in my paddock which gives a good nesting place for pheasants. They nest on the ground. 
  Then, one day, during this dry summer I was shown a brood of pheasant chicks in my paddock. I was delighted to see them, as there is always the fear that a fox, badger or maybe a stoat will find the nest and eat the eggs/hatchlings. I have seen evidence of this happening other years. They now have to avoid being shot when the open season begins.