Al Hansen
Well-known member
I was at Bosque del Apache NWR taking pictures two days ago when I saw this cock pheasant. By the way, you will quickly notice that it is not a ring neck but some sort of hybrid. We have a three day season here as there aren't that many birds to shoot. I guess in the eastern side of the state they have more.
Anyway, this beautiful bird gave me the opportunity to take some shots and in one of them I caught him blinking his third transparent eyelid, the nictitating membrane. This membrane all birds have for the purpose of protecting the eye especially in flight. For an example, down here ducks and geese would use this membrane just because we have so much sand in the air when the wind kicks up.
Thank you, Matt, for your help. I asked him for the name because when I saw the membrane I had an instant "brain freeze" and for the life of me couldn't remember what it was called. Guess nowadays I call them senior moments.
Al
Anyway, this beautiful bird gave me the opportunity to take some shots and in one of them I caught him blinking his third transparent eyelid, the nictitating membrane. This membrane all birds have for the purpose of protecting the eye especially in flight. For an example, down here ducks and geese would use this membrane just because we have so much sand in the air when the wind kicks up.
Thank you, Matt, for your help. I asked him for the name because when I saw the membrane I had an instant "brain freeze" and for the life of me couldn't remember what it was called. Guess nowadays I call them senior moments.
Al