Ronnie was rescued by a small non-profit local to me, towards the end of 2024, joining an established flock and quickly finding his place within it. Over time, he became a steady presence at ‘Kingswood Shetlands & Friends’ – often seen watching over the hens and moving among them with quiet awareness.
I came to know him through regular visits, but one particular day from back then has stayed with me.
A storm had moved in across the valley, the wind loud and relentless. As I made my way round to the chickens I found the flock gathered tightly together beneath Ronnie’s raised perch. Every hen, along with Phillip the cockerel, had settled behind him. Ronnie stood at the front, positioned across the entrance, holding his ground.
The shelter itself was secure, but it was the way he placed himself that struck me – not moving, not reacting, simply holding that position while the others stayed close behind him.
It was a powerful reminder of Ronnie as an individual – making decisions within his own relationships.
This portrait grew from that moment.
By spring, Ronnie began to show – through his own behaviour – that he needed the company of other turkeys. He was moved to a larger flock with a specialist rescue, where he now lives within a group of his own kind.
I still think of him often. Knowing him, even briefly, has stayed with me.
Ronnie prints are now in the shop.
