"Strong conservation efforts by individuals and groups such as Pheasants Forever, plus their ability to survive harsh winters, have kept pheasant numbers reasonably high since they were introduced to this country many years ago. They have adapted well, and are now the top game birds in many areas where habitat has been maintained for them. In this painting, I especially wanted to show a late day setting where the warming color of the sky and clouds could further enhance the brilliant hues of these rooster ring-necked pheasants as they burst into flight."