Langley’s resident bird

Many Langley residents have discovered a new feathered friend.

He’s been described as a common ringneck pheasant with uncommon behavior.

“He definitely has attitude,” said Langley resident Sharen Heath. “He has major attitude.”

The pheasant, which Heath has nicknamed Henri, has frequented the yards of Langleyites from Wilkinson Road and Edgecliff Drive to the west side of First Street.

Many residents who have seen him first figured that he must be someone’s pet, because he’s shown no real fear of human beings.

But no one has claimed the bird, and most residents now feel that Henri is a very smart bird seeking solace from hunters in the city, where he knows he will be safe.

Although he may be safe from hunters, Henri faces other dangers in town. One is the pets in the yards he frequents.

Heath has three dogs, but she said her golden retriever, who is supposed to be a chicken chaser, would rather not run after the bird.

“He’s more interested in his Frisbee than the pheasant,” she said.

The pheasant knows when he is and isn’t safe. Residents who have seen and fed the bird said he is an astute judge of a potential meal ticket in a safe environment.

He used to sit outside one Langley woman’s sliding glass door, with the woman’s cat on the other side, and the pair would sit and stare at each other from opposite sides of the glass.

Also, when meal service was tardy, the pheasant would peck on the sliding glass door to remind the owners that he was there.

According to the Langley residents, the pheasant is a big fan of cracked wheat. He likes pumpkin seeds, too.

Henri is a male pheasant, shown by the vibrance of his coat. Female pheasants have dull coats.

“He is just beautiful,” Heath said. “The colors are outstanding and his coppery colored chest glows.”

Though he isn’t afraid of humans, Henri seems to be more fond of the ladies. The pheasant lets most everyone get close to him, but he has chased after and pecked at men on several occasions.

“Maybe he considers the men competition and us women are harem potential,” Heath said.

No matter how obnoxious the little bird can be, most Langley residents are glad to have him around.

“He’s a brave bugger,” Heath said. “I think he’s just trying to be friendly.”

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