For months we’ve been trying without success to get a photo of a ring-necked pheasant, a bird native to China which also happens to be a common non-native gamebird in Brendan’s home state of Kansas. Despite scaring them out of the brush on a daily basis, we’ve never managed to photograph one before it takes flight.
He thinks he’s crafty . . .
Until now. Last week Emma spotted a male lying in the brush and we got off a few quick shots. He’s no trophy specimen – you can see a nicer photo in any American hunting magazine – but with only a few weeks left in the Walking the Wall shooting season (digi-“film” only), we’re just grateful we finally bagged our bird.
. . . but he can’t get away from us
If you trapped a couple now and hung them under your packs they’d just be right by the time you reach the sea! Great photos, how far away were you? love, Mike
Congrats on the bird
Hey guys - now that you ‘only’ have a couple of weeks left I would love to hear whats going on in you heads and hearts!
How are you going to adjust to normal life again? Has The Wall changed you view on the so called civilized life that you are about to return to?
All the best,
Stephen Løken
NORWAY
Aloha, guys!!
Your mom caught me up with your journey, so I’ve been reading and commiserating…and celebrating with you along the way.
Fab pictures…esp the bird!
Have a blessed reunion with the folks.
I’m heading off shortly for 2 weeks in the Northern California wilderness, and just the prospect of no cell phone or computer for 15 days is daunting enough. Gawd you’re brave!!!
All the best making Shanhaiguan…and completing your amazing trip. I do hope to see it on some travel channel…sooner than later.
Much love and fond aloha,
Karen…
now on Maui and loving life
What a wonderful bird. It is so colourful and you definitely have the best shot of the bird. What is its name in Chinese? Do they consider one of the birds that will give you good luck once you encounter them?
I wonder is there any penalty to catch such bird? Maybe there is one. They are just wondering in the farmer’s filed. Poor peasants do not catch them? I wonder.
Why would such nice natural bird be made as a “game”bird in Kansas?? Do they harm Kansas farmers? Can Kansas citizens leave the bird alone and not to disturb their life by “gaming” on them?
Thanks
Soong
Nice bird shots!!
Hope that you are both very well and I wish you happy tramping for your last “great wall” miles.
Looking forward to seeing you both in Melbourne.
Nataliex
Hi there, do you guys need a recipe? For the bird, that is. He is obviously in a newly planted cornfield and no doubt causing the farmer some grief….if you need any justification other than salivation.
To answer Stephen Loken,I think I can explain that it has been officially ascertained that they most likely have become feral over the last year and that two weeks minimum of cognitive behavioural therapy has been arranged. The first week will be conducted in dialect Mandarin in order to reestablish contact,the second week will be in Mid-West dialect English as we understand this is what is used between themselves. A third week in proper English will be entered into if necessary. No animals will be injured during this process. Mike
Actually Mike, in reference to the cognitive behavioural therapy that has been arranged, Brendan has previously mentioned to me that he would prefer the Flemish method of re-establishing contact. Sessions will be conducted at the following venue from a time between just after midday and 5.30pm until ‘later that evening’ if anyone would like to attend:
www.belgian-beer-cafe.com.au
regards
Sanjay Chhabra BA(Psych)