Partridge at Sunrise

Mornin' All...My intent this morning was to drive to the top of the cabin hill to capture the days beautiful sunrise. I drove the mile and a half in and out and spotted motion fly into the saplings. What was up so early besides me?
Upon closer inspection and slowly approaching down hill, opening the window, still inching my way downward, I finally could make it out that there was a partridge

s t r e t c h i n g for his breakfast. He was eating the buds off the maple twigs he was perched on. I watched and snapped away, while he ate, not seeming to be bothered by my presence. By this time I have my arms out the window, Toby Keith is singing away, and Mr. P. carries on with his morning ritual.
By now 8 minutes have gone by, the sunrise has been put on the back burner, all for the honor of this close encounter with what is normally, a very skittish bird. Rarely do you get the opportunity for such close viewing... the truck and I just 10 ft. from his tree and maybe 30 ft. from his breakfast. Another less seen feature is his auburn tail. Most are more grey than red. We have quite the reddish line in our property. This fella is such a beauty. I only wish I had my daughters or Betsy and Georges long lenses....
Before I got distracted by Mr. Partridge, as I'm driving out and up the hill, the woods looked like it was on fire. Beautiful!
This is the sunrise I caught just before the partridge flew into the sapling for breakfast. I'm grateful to have witnessed both. What a breath-taking distraction.

May God Distract Your Day