Wildlife is always makes great subjects to photograph. It is also just exhilarating to be near a wild animal. I got an invitation from my friends, Bryan and Sheree Sprague to watch the release of pheasant chicks that they had been raising from eggs.
Bryan became concerned about the declining pheasant populations in Power County, ID, after he and his son started struggling to find birds in places that had previously housed dozens to hundreds of roosters.
About three years ago Bryan began raising and releasing pheasants in an attempt to increase numbers in the area. in previous years the Spragues have let go over 20,000 birds each year. After doing some research Bryan discovered a plan, developed by retired California Fish and Game biologist Ed Smith. Smith has spent the 12 years since his retirement working with pheasant raising operations around the country.
Biologist Ed Smith (middle) talks with Brayn Sprague about improvements that can be made to Sprague's Power County sites.
Smith's plan includes building and irrigating brood strips. These brood strips are clear areas, That when kept damp during the summer will be a home for insects. Both Smith and Sprague agree that a high protein diet is integral to the success of younger birds and sustaining a population.
As part of the program Bryan has been raising the chicks, up to four weeks old, near the brood strips so that the chicks can find the bugs quickly.
It was a great experience to see these birds wandering around, discovering their surroundings and to see older birds interacting with the newly released birds.
I always to see how well camouflage works. Conceptually I understand that it is a defense mechanism but it is still amazing to me to see it in person.
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