Guess who came to breakfast?

I was working on the computer and glanced out the sliding glass door and to my surprise and excitement, this is who I saw wandering through the garden. Can you believe it; a ring-necked pheasant?

He hung out in our "Sunset Garden", drinking from the bathtub pond and plucking seeds from the gravel patio for a least 15 minutes. I was so happy to get him on video! After he was done hanging out, he disappeared under our humongous quince. Maybe he will make it his new home? If not, I was honored that he chose to stop here as he was passing through.

I must say, it was a pinnacle in my Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary career. I have been a registered Sanctuary since 1993 and have loved watching the wildlife through the seasons. From baby possums, to fledgling wrens; from an adolescent Peregrine falcon to downy woodpeckers. All in my urban backyard in the middle of one of the largest cities in the county. Magical!