Unwelcome by some – loved by us at the ranch!

Ringneck wild pheasants

Phasianus colchicus

is his scientific name.

The Ring-necked Pheasant is not native to America. He was brought from the old country in the 1800’s. And that is why this beautiful bird is not liked by what is called the purists in the birding community. Biased against a bird that had no choice when brought on ships and perfect to flourish in many environments in the new world.

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His name is Peanut

He has been living around the ranch since he was a little dude. Last night he sat on the big hay bale “singing” me good night, and this morning at 5:30 he felt the need to wake me up. Sometimes he follows me when I feed in the evening; sometimes he just sits out there talking back and forth with me.

Forever Wild

and that’s how it should be!

Even though we don’t claim “ownership”, Peanut is “off-limits” to hunt as long as he stays around the house and on Highview Angus Ranch land.

The pictures were taken right out the front door about 40 feet away where one of my hay bales sits at 400mm and cropped.

I hope that one of these days I hope he’ll let me get even closer.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

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Angelika Ursula Dietrich

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ANGELIKA URSULA DIETRICH, owner and publisher of Wild Horses Thunder and Wild Horses Media Productions, is a professional Freelance Photographer, Videographer, Publisher, Writer, Social Media Consultant, and Website Developer.

Angelika's photography work has been displayed on the front cover of Idaho Magazine (2022), the Nimiipuu Tribal Tribune, Cowboy Lifestyle Network (2021), Cowboys & Indians (2016 & 2018), and in various Oregon and Washington entertainment and vacation publications, Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Program and website (2012-2020), at Art Gallery Festivals, private businesses, as well as for display advertisement for many clients in and out of Wallowa County including the Wallowa County Chieftain (2003-2007).

Between 2007 and 2009, Angelika worked in radio as the news and sports director for owners Lee and Carol Lee Perkins at KWVR Radio in Enterprise, Oregon. After the station was sold, she created Wallowa Valley Online, an independent online news magazine publishing and writing news and engaging in photojournalism.

After ten years of Wallowa Valley Online, Angelika decided to concentrate more on her photography & video productions, and cover and write human interest stories on Wild Horses Thunder - The studio & journal, and volunteer at the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland.

PEANUT!