Shot of the Month – June 2023

I spent the better part of a week in May, staked out along a dirt road, in a national park where I could observe a fox den.  Each day, while dutifully wating for canine action,  we were visited by this dandy chap and his mate.  In this beautiful afternoon light we can see the male California Quail (CQ) in all his glory.

I love some of the descriptions that I found while researching this beautiful bird:

These plump, chicken-like birds are easily recognized as quail by their overall jizz and plump body shape

and

The California Quail is a handsome, round soccer ball of a bird with a rich gray breast, intricately scaled underparts, and a curious, forward-drooping head plume

While the whole “round soccer ball of a bird” thing is a bit rude, ummm, well….

I can’t say it is wroooong….

 

Another fun description:

The California Quail is distinguished from other quail species by its unique plumage pattern and the presence of a forward facing comma-shaped black plume that makes them look like a flapper from the 1920’s.

 

 

 

 

I had been racking my brain trying to find the right words to describe that wonderful plume and this person nailed it : “a forward facing comma-shaped black plume…”  It does look like a comma!!

Insider Tip:  Although the plume looks like one feather it is actually made up of 6 overlapping feathers.

The females also have a plume though to my eye it is more “exclamation-point-esque” and lacks the flair of the full comma!

CQ are most active near sunrise and sunrise and that certainly was our experience with these birds.  Each morning and late afternoon this mating pair would come wondering down the road like clockwork.  CQ spend most of their time on the ground  but they will take flight to avoid predators.

The CQ is a granivorous bird that eats mainly grain and seeds, and weeds like dandelions.  In the summer they also catch insects to provide additional protein for their young.  These birds are rather chicken-like as they prefer to scratch 2-3 times on the ground with one foot before pecking at the ground to grab the seeds or insects they scared up.

The “lovebirds” afternoon stroll:

Peck peck peck…

Here the male is calling loudly, claiming his territory.  And obviously showing off for his mate…I love the foot in the air for extra effort.

Did you notice the dashing yellow and chestnut coloration on his stomach?

California Quails can be found in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevad, Utah, and of course, California.  CQs have also been introduced into Hawaii, New Zealand, Chile, and Argentia.

Fun fact:  The CQ is the official state bird of California and is the only state bird whose name includes the full name of its state.  (A bit of ammo for your next dinner party as the conversation wanes….)

 

 

There you have it, the California Quail – a striking dandy of a bird that prefers hoofing it over flight, but does so with style and panache.

 

Until next month….m

 

Sources:

Wikipedia – California Quail

Audobon – California Quail

All About Birds – California Quail

Kids National Geographic – California Quail

The spruce – California Quail

 

 

 

 

Nikon D5, Sigma 150-600mm (@ 600mm), f/6.3, 1/1000 ISO 800