Not ... it's a ring-necked pheasant, which has been a bucket list shot for me, but not what I wanted today. There are a few thousand Sandhill Cranes that have stopped over at Lake Alice and Winters Creek Lake in the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge. We drove out and there they were! About half a mile in, right on the lake shore, where there was no road access and the grounds were closed to public entry. So frustrating! I went once, hoping they would shift to a nearby field. I went twice, and I went yet again, sure that third time would be the charm. It was not. They lingered by the lake, hopping about and calling to each other. Tantalizingly close yet so far away.
So, here is a male pheasant. He and another fellow were getting ready for a bit of a scuffle, but our interruption sent them in different directions. I shouldn't complain ... he's quite beautiful in the late afternoon sunlight. Still, I would really like to see those cranes up close. I might have to head back down there before they continue their migration north.