tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130980035846282323.post2295118140133430817..comments2024-03-16T21:08:23.599-04:00Comments on Explorations of an Ecologist: Haldimand County geese and other fun birdsJosh Vandermeulenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04796806080056515471noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130980035846282323.post-70820412700381241802013-03-14T11:10:32.573-04:002013-03-14T11:10:32.573-04:00Hey Josh,
I was just looking at that pheasant pict...Hey Josh,<br />I was just looking at that pheasant picture, and I am thinking it is an escapee. The tail feathers are pretty ratty looking, which, as I'm sure you know, happens regularly in an enclosure with all the rubbing on the walls. There are also quite a few rump feathers missing, indicating there were other pheasants in close quarters that started pecking at each other - they are really nasty birds if they are kept too close. And the last thing, although this could be stretching it a wee bit, is if you look at the nostril you can see through to the other side. Normally, there is a septum there, but when pheasants are young, to prevent the pecking I just described, breeders often put blinders on the birds. These stay on via a pin through the septum, and often fall off in a few years. Of course, none of these say for sure that it is an escapee, but that's what I'd put my money on. Anyways, I've been following your blog since you started your big year last year and have enjoyed it quite a bit. Keep up the good work.<br />GabrielAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16197241149319220998noreply@blogger.com