Yard Bird

Pheasants are not a naturally-reproducing species around here.  Although we see them all the time - likely birds released by the Door County Fish Farm and Game Club.  

The club raises these birds from chicks beginning in the spring.  Once they've grown to maturity club members receive an allotment of these pen-raised birds for release on their own property.  They can hunt them at their leisure during the pheasant season.  As per usual, birds find their way to our property as the cover is plenty nice if you are a critter.  When I had dogs this was a real treat as I'd keep a shotgun at the back door and our daily walks would not only entertain the dogs, but keep their flushing and retrieving skills sharp.  There was a daily opportunity to bag a bird for dinner.

Anyway, We've had a bird hanging around here.  He prefers to roost in the lilacs and we see him every day. There's always spillage from the feeder to pick-at so he's a chubby bird that doesn't have to travel far to forage for his dinner.

Presuming this is the same bird that we're accustomed to seeing he's lost is tail feathers recently.

I wonder what the backstory is.....