PHOTOS BY NANCY K. CROWELL / LA CONNER COMMUNITY NEWS The Asian Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) was introduced to the U.S. in the 1880s. Some 30,000 to 50,000 are released in Western Washington each year at specific sites for upland hunting. The brilliant red heads, iridescent green necks and white collars of the males stand out in the dull fields of winter. There are often pheasants wandering around near release sites after hunting season ends in November.
