Even though I see California Quail quite often at home I don’t have many photos of them in my portfolio. Whenever it is warm enough to have my windows open at home I can usually hear the California Quail in my neighborhood calling as they court and raise their young.
California Quail hen perched in a tree – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 800, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Two days ago I found two California Quail hens perched low in a tree in Davis County, Utah and I was delighted that one of them was out in the open in nice light. I was almost too close to the quail in a “mobile blind” (a vehicle parked at the edge of the road) and there were more than a few times that I clipped the bottom of her toes off while photographing her. I should have removed my teleconverter but didn’t think about that while I was photographing these birds plus I didn’t know if they would stick around very long.
Later on in the morning I found a male California Quail in the same location but he was perched on a fence and the background was a mess so I won’t be keeping my photos of him. I’m quite satisfied with the photos I took of this hen.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my California Quail photos plus facts and information about this species.
Lovely gal. I also have not seen one in a tree before.
Beautiful, beautiful image!!! LOVE IT!!!!
The quail in my yard had to scratch about the snow in their food this morning. They were all puffed up against the cold.
OMGosh, they have long toes. Better to scrape at the ground I suppose. Cute birds and great detail in the photo.
They are funny, cute round bird. I did not know they can be found in the trees. Always see them on the ground. I guess they must fly a little. Interesting once again. Thanks for the beautiful pictures.