Guerrilla pheasant

I was ambushed by this completely mad cock pheasant at the nature reserve today. I think it must be the same bird that terrorised visitors for a period last winter. Either that or there's a worrying strain amongst the breeding birds in the valley. It runs at people and attacks their boots, all the time emitting a low growl. If sticks are deployed to try to frighten it off, it takes to the air and just keeps coming in a higher trajectory! No wonder it has taken no notice of the beaters and avoided the guns of the neighbouring shoot. Seriously, I'm a bit worried for families with young children visiting the reserve so beginning to think that action might have to be taken!