A very handsome fellow has been visiting my back yard recently. His distinctive voice first called me to the window to see who my visitor might be. A beautiful ring-neck pheasant has been my guest! I live in Vacaville, near Centennial Park. My pheasant friend must have wandered the short block from the park, hoping to expand his territory. He even came up to tap on my French doors, possibly admiring his reflection, or maybe looking for a friend!

Wanting to know more about my visitor, I have learned that the male ring-neck pheasant usually lives in woodland areas, and spends most of his time on the ground. He can only fly a short distance, but might perch on a tree at night. In the spring, the male (cock) begins to establish his territory. He attracts females (hens) by showing off his elegant feathers, and by his distinctive whistles, cackles, crows, and screams. All of this noise must be impressive to the girls, because the male often has several hens taking care of nests (yes, he has a harem!).The female builds the nest on the ground, using twigs and leaves. She can lay between 2 and 15 eggs.

The California map I consulted indicated that my ring-neck pheasant visitor isn't that unusual to Central California, but I still feel honored that he has stopped by my back yard to visit!