Ring-necked Pheasant hen on a snow bank in northern UtahRing-necked Pheasant hen in snow – Nikon D300, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

I have been noticing more Ring-necked Pheasants than usual of late but that it mostly because the birds don’t blend well into the snow and we have had plenty of the white stuff fall the past few weeks. Yesterday I spotted this hen Ring-necked Pheasant very close to where I photographed a Great Blue Heron a few days ago but this hen was on top of the creek bank.

Hen Ring-necked Pheasant walking in snow, Farmington Bay WMA, Utah Female Ring-necked Pheasant – Nikon D300, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

The pheasant hens aren’t as colorful as the males but I find them every bit as appealing because of the intricate and cryptic feather patterns that they have. In this image the furrow in the snow behind the hen was created when another pheasant moved through the drift.

 Ring-necked Pheasant hen lifting off from a snow bank at Farmington Bay WMA, UtahRing-necked Pheasant hen lifting off – Nikon D300, f8, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

In the frame above the female Ring-necked was lifting off. I love how I can see her right wingtip in the snow, how I can see the pattern her wingtip made in it, the fanned out tail, and the wonderful pose.

I took loads of photos of this hen and I suspect I will post more of her in the future.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Ring-necked Pheasant photos plus facts and information about this species.