HELP Lady Amherst Found

[LynnB312]

Hi, I have a Lady Amherst that wandered into my backyard. I like in a subdivision in Northern Illinois. The pheasant is coming and going. I called multiple people and received conflicting advice on what to do, some say leave it be and others advice to find someone who can catch the bird and a wildlife rehab center can find a home for the pheasant. Everyone agrees that the pheasant must be from a private collection. What do I do, no one will help me catch the pheasant. Human wildlife catchers won't help because the bird is protected. I have had a hard time reaching someone from the DNR. We have a lot of predators around like coyotes. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Seaslug]

Just FYI, if it is a Chrysolophus amherstiae, it would not be protected in the US, as it is not native.

 

[LynnB312]

Chrysolophus amherstiae

Great point, thank you.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I'm guessing someone has lost their bird. You might want to try going around locally to see if you can locate its owner. Worst case scenario, you can contact your local police department and see if anyone has filed a missing report for it.

 

[Finchbreeder]

While asking round the neighbourhood if anyone has lost a pheasant, ask if they have chickens.
Chicken people will be more likely to help you catch it and keep it safe from predators, and possibly give it a home, if it's original home can not be found.

 

[Debbie292d]

If their habits are the same as regular pheasants, there are three that come from a farm about 1/2 mile away and wander through our yard every so often. They leave and go home when they feel like it. Our dogs are used to them and don't bother them, but the chickens all run and hide.

If so, I'm wondering if it would go back home on its own, eventually.

 

[LynnB312]

Thank you, so that is the conundrum - do I take the chance and leave her be and hope the Lady Amherst goes home and run the risk of something happening to the bird or take action? I am leaning towards trying to intervene to play it safe. Also, I notice the bird hanging out and my neighbors house too and they are not the friendly towards squirrels etc. so worry they do something to harm the bird.

If their habits are the same as regular pheasants, there are three that come from a farm about 1/2 mile away and wander through our yard every so often. They leave and go home when they feel like it. Our dogs are used to them and don't bother them, but the chickens all run and hide.

If so, I'm wondering if it would go back home on its own, eventually.

 

[007Sean]

Most likely that birds home is no more than a mile from you, and possible closer.

 

[LynnB312]

Most likely that birds home is no more than a mile from you, and possible closer.

Thank you, I have put signs up at the nearby grocery store, will continue to put more signs up at the nearby gas station.

 

[LynnB312]

Thank you everyone for all the advice! Good news, we captured the bird today and he went to a 10 acre farm with an aviary and will be well taken care of. Glad we found a home, the bird seemed relieved settling in nicely to the secure enclosure.