Great excitement here in our garden today. I saw this bird yesterday outside our property, but it was gone in a flash and I did not have the camera with me anyway. This morning I looked out of the window and saw, what I presume was the same bird at the bottom of our garden. I took a few photos of it in the distance willing it to come closer which it eventually did. All shots are through the window but they are quite reasonable I think.
The first photos were taken at a great distance (abt 25 metres) down the garden... Red-legged Partridge (Electorus rufa)...
as above...
As above.
It then started walking up the side of the hedge towards me...
getting closer and closer...
as above...
as above...
as above...
as above...
At this stage, it was probably about 8 metres away...
finally disappearing into the undergrowth.
Linking up to
You did extremely well to get these shots, Diane. In my experience, they are rather nervous birds. Not surprising really, I suppose, considering that they are only around in UK because someone has bred them to be shot. I read last night that 9 million Red-legged Partridge and 44 million Pheasant are released into the UK countryside each year - purely to be shot! Look after that little partridge you have there! Best wishes - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteRichard the French are great hunters so there is little I can do if it wanders off our property 😒. Since taking these photos this morning it has returned this afternoon, so I hope it learns where it is safe. I have a few more photos, and while taking the ones this afternoon, I saw the robin for the first time since early spring. We always seem to have one that vists in winter. More photos to follow.
DeleteTake care and thanks for the comment. Diane
The colouration and markings are beautiful! Thank you for sharing, Diane.
ReplyDeleteHi Marie, they are very beautiful birds and it was fabulous to see it so close. I have better photos on its next visit which I will publish next week.Keep well Diane
DeleteAh Diane, so you managed to get some photos of the partridge. Well done. I wonder if like in the UK, these things are released for sport and your bird has found a refuge from the guns? Of course our Grey Partridge, also known as "french partridge" is now very rare indeed in many parts of the UK.
ReplyDeleteHi Phil, I have no idea what the hunters get up to here, I know the season starts 9 September, but I think they are generally after deer and wild boar, but I do know that they shoot anything that flies as well!! I am very wary when out walking and wear bright clothes as several people have been shot in recent years!
DeleteWhatever, I was delighted to see the partridge and it has returned once more and I got even better photos, but how long it may survive around here is another story. I have also seen a male pheasant just down the road twice but neither time did I have time to stop as I was heading for appointments.
Keep well and have a good week Diane
Nice bird - I saw a small group of partridge when I was in the UK last month - but I was in a car in heavy traffic - so no pictures!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Thanks Stewart, I saw a male pheasant yesterday just down the road yesterday but I was heading for an appointment and did not have time to stop. Cheers Diane
DeleteGreat captures of the Red-legged Partridge. He's a handsome bird.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted also that it is still aound. I hope it knows how safe itis within our fence. Hope all is well Diane
DeleteA handsome bird indeed. What luck that it walked toward you. Nice photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the visit and the comment much appreciated. Have a good day Diane
DeleteIt's a beautiful bird and you managed to get quite good shots, clear ones, from out the window.
ReplyDeleteI had even better photos yesterday :-) To follow. Take care Diane
DeleteHi Diane. From what you say about "your" partridge and its behaviour it would seem to be an escape from captivity of some sort. Stay safe from the hunt.
ReplyDeleteMore than possible it was on the verandah yesterday. It is not frightened if I go outside but it keeps its distance. It has been around now for 10 days, Cheers Diane
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