The Victorian Gentleman

I don't know why male Pheasants call to mind the sort of Victorian gentlemen beloved of TV versions of Dickens novels but they do.  It is probably the red wattle that looks like a pair of enormous mutton chop sideburns. 

This one is looking particularly fierce and aggressive, although he would probably run a mile if I got any closer.  

As you will know, the Pheasant is not a native to the UK, although unlike many of those now fleeing conflicts around the world, it has managed to achieve resident status here.  The bird is native to Asia but is thought to have been another one of those innovations first introduced in the UK by, wait for it, yes the Romans.  They are bred commercially for shooting, but as the season is now over, this one is safe from human hunters until the Autumn.