Odd behaviour in a pheasant

[Madelinew]

I have 2 male pheasants who visit my garden daily. As you may be aware, they're not the smartest of birds. I was intrigued to watch one the other evening as he spent half an hour gradually climbing up the little branches and bits of ivy on my oak tree. When he was about 30 feet off the ground, he suddenly seemed to realise where he was, looked down, panicked slightly and definitely looked as if he was saying "S***! Now what do I do?" He made a couple of half hearted attempts to move down the tree and failed miserably and was still there, apparently roosting as it got dark. He was gone by morning.

I consider these to be ground dwelling birds. Is this unusual behaviour, normal or just plain stupidity on behalf of the pheasant.

[aeshna5]

They often roost off the ground to be safe from Foxes,etc. You're right, the're bright but fairly stupid- it's so sad to see the carnage of these birds when going to Norfolk.

Strangest experience I've had with a Pheasant was on a visit to Pagham Harbour many years ago. This cock bird flew out over the water + then landed possibly over 200 metres out in the water + then proceeded to swim towards the shore. One of the most bizarre things I've ever seen + I didn't realise they could swim!

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

They often roost off the ground to be safe from Foxes,etc. You're right, the're bright but fairly stupid- it's so sad to see the carnage of these birds when going to Norfolk.

Strangest experience I've had with a Pheasant was on a visit to Pagham Harbour many years ago. This cock bird flew out over the water + then landed possibly over 200 metres out in the water + then proceeded to swim towards the shore. One of the most bizarre things I've ever seen + I didn't realise they could swim!

I had a right fright one morning very early in the woods when a pheasant exploded out of an adjacent tree!! I think they should be renamed Phasianus heartattackus......

You know I've had the same thoughts about Norfolks roads I've been suprised more than once when bimbling around north Norfolk how much road kill there is, I guess it must be the design of the roads having little or no verge and dense hedging either side....

I have seen a woodpigeon land on deep water have a sort of quick wash and then managed to burst out and fly off, powerful wings they must have...

[Madelinew]

2 pheasants scared the life out of me the first time I drove on a motorway. In Norfolk. Burst out across the front of my windscreen just as I was joining the A11 (M). I'd only passed my test the month before.

[Blackdog]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

They often roost off the ground to be safe from Foxes,etc. You're right, the're bright but fairly stupid- it's so sad to see the carnage of these birds when going to Norfolk.

Strangest experience I've had with a Pheasant was on a visit to Pagham Harbour many years ago. This cock bird flew out over the water + then landed possibly over 200 metres out in the water + then proceeded to swim towards the shore. One of the most bizarre things I've ever seen + I didn't realise they could swim!

I wonder if he did
I think they are beautiful birds, but remarkably stupid at times, hence the amount of road kill you see. I think the A361, North Devon link road is probably a contender for the most Pheasant road deaths. I have seen dozens of the unfortunate creatures on the side of this road over the last couple of years

[henrya]

Originally Posted by Blackdog

I wonder if he did
I think they are beautiful birds, but remarkably stupid at times, hence the amount of road kill you see. I think the A361, North Devon link road is probably a contender for the most Pheasant road deaths. I have seen dozens of the unfortunate creatures on the side of this road over the last couple of years

When my friend drives me in to work, we often see Pheasants standing at the side of the road - waiting until the car comes close enough before they dash across!

And they roost in the trees in my drive, and rocket off, flapping and squawking, if I have the temerity to walk down my drive in the dark.

henrya