Red legged partridge

We frequently get these birds wandering around our close. There are also 3 Mallard ducks that appear regularly. Red legs now far outnumber ordinary partridges.

I think red legged partridges were introduced, but they are now widespread in the UK. Like several introduced species these have become widespread.

The pheasant was introduced but you find these all over the place. It is a pity these don't have more road sense!  Pheasants seem to wander across roads just as cars approach.

Where have our red-legged partridges gone?

http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/redleggedpartridge_tcm9-18426.jpg?width=530&crop=(282,326,936,694)

Until about a week ago, for at least a year, there was a pair of red-legged partridges always to be seen in our Close and in the garden. Then a third bird appeared - maybe a rival male?  Since then, all have disappeared. It is a total mystery. Birds have bird minds and bird brains, but I for one miss their presence.

See http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/redleggedpartridge/ .

Red Legged Partridges

Some time ago, I mentioned that we have a pair of red legged partridges that seem to live near here. Yesterday, they decided to climb on next door's roof for a change of scenery!

Red legged partridges on the roof next door!

Sorry about the quality of the photo which was taken into the light.  They are nowhere to be seen today. Probably sheltering from the rain! The worst of the bad weather seems to have moved away for now.

See http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en for maps of lightning activity. Very useful to see what storms are around and about.

UPDATE 1500z: All quiet now. I think the storms and rain have passed to the east.

UPDATE 2045z:  Just spotted one behind the windmill.