Tag Archives: Quail

nature, Photography

Autumn Quail

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Very unusually, this family group of quail crossed a footpath in front of me. I wanted to get some photos of them and crept up very gradually behind them when they slowed down to investigate something that interested them.

I was fortunately able to get a few decent photos of these very small, very speedy little birds that startle so extremely easily.

Although their distinctive call is commonly heard in the summer, they’re not often seen as they are trying to raise their tiny young out of sight of predators and are also attempting to avoid the heat. Once autumn arrives though, I usually see them more often, but I still am challenged to try to get good pictures since they move so swiftly and avoid humans so thoroughly.

Although these 280 gram birds (10 ounces) can fly and will if they have to, they prefer to run and they sure can! They must be the avian equivalent of the Olympic sprinting team!

Happy Wednesday from the quick (and very cute) quail of the Okanagan Valley.

nature, Photography

Quail, Quail …

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… wherefore art thou, quail?

Ever hard to see because they are so small and have such fantastic camouflage, they also have the additional advantage of being amazingly quick. They will bolt at the slightest movement from a human, so getting photos can be a challenge.

While walking today I came upon a number of them scratching in the dirt along with their buddies, the mallard ducks. The instant they heard me they scattered, running and flying for dear life, but after I stood absolutely still, they returned.

As quietly as I could, I crept closer while fishing my cell phone out of my pocket; unfortunately, I had no other camera with me.

In the front left corner you can see a couple of ducks; the quail seem to get on well with them and I often see them eating and hanging out together. The ducks are much larger but of course they’re all vegetarians!

I find them so cute with their little head feathers and the way they constantly chat with each other. I’ve noticed that the ducks seem to be more contentedly verbal and relaxed when the quail are nearby, too. It’s very true that all of us do better when we have a friend or two.

Happy Thursday.

Commentary, nature, Photography

New Year’s Birds

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While out for our New Year’s Day constitutional, we saw lots of birds.

First, there were some quail. I always find them hard to photograph because they’re so quick and they blend in so well. I love that cute little head feather.

Next, we saw lots of coots with their distinctive white beaks. They were very happily swimming along, looking for a bit to eat here and there. Suddenly, we saw the coots madly scrambling away to a pier, half swimming, half flying. And then we saw the reason why.

A bald eagle was swooping low, attempting to grab a straggler. I didn’t get a picture of the frightened coots because I was mesmerised by the unfolding drama, but I was able to get a couple of shots of this amazing raptor.

The coots were able to hide in the lee of a pier, thus preventing the eagle from getting a good angle on a quick snatch, and once he saw that he was out of luck, he quickly headed away. M and I were amazed at what we had just seen, though!

Happy Tuesday.

musings, nature, Photography

Do You See Me?

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While walking last week, I passed some underbrush that was full of little quail. But because they are so quick and blend in so well, it’s hard to get photos of them.

Here I am!

I was only able to get this shot, although I stood watching their busy busyness for about 15 minutes. They’re very adorable, if somewhat elusive!

Happy mid-week.

nature, Photography

Little Quail

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Quail are ubiquitous here in the Okanagan Valley. I often see them racing around, their cute little comma-shaped head feathers arriving ahead of them.

The male is on the left and the female on the right.

Although they can fly, they are amazingly fast runners and when chicks are nearby, the adults will suddenly burst into flight, distracting potential predators away from the little ones.

They are extremely social and live in family groups of 20 or more birds. They don’t migrate for the winter but will congregate in coveys of up to 100 birds to keep warm since at 25 cm, (10 inches) they are very small.

They are portrayed extensively on the art work of this area and there’s even a winery named after them.

Greetings from the quail of the Okanagan Valley!