Male California Quail yawning, Davis County, UtahMale California Quail yawning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Yesterday was clear and bright and I was finally able to go somewhere besides my local pond to look for birds! I can’t tell you how exciting that was for me since the last time I went out was just after Thanksgiving.

I didn’t see as many birds as I would have liked to have seen but regarding that I should be honest, I can never see enough birds. I could see them from sunrise to sundown and throughout the night and it still wouldn’t be enough. Yes, I am that addicted to birds. I even dream about them.

Speaking of dreaming…

When we humans wake up quite often we will yawn, it is just what we do. I know I yawn while waiting for my morning coffee to finish brewing. Some animals and even birds yawn right after they first wake up too. Yesterday morning after finding a small flock of California Quail that had apparently roosted overnight in a tree close to the road I was delighted because I was able to watch as they woke up and started their day.

There were a few of the quail I could photograph without bunches of leaves and branches in the way so I focused on those birds and photographed them fluffing, scratching and shaking off while they got ready to start their day.

One male California Quail turned his head and through my viewfinder I could see him yawning and this was the only photo I got of him where I could see his entire face and eyes at a good angle. If someone didn’t know better and looked at this photo they might think the quail was calling and I agree it looks like he is but it is really just a yawn.

It felt so good to be back out in the field!

Life is good.

Mia.

Click here to see more of my California Quail photos plus facts and information about this species.