Early yesterday morning I had a few minutes before I needed to run some errands so at the crack of dawn I visited the Jordan River. As soon as I got there I inadvertently flushed three California Quail, two females and a male. The two females landed on the ground where I couldn’t see them but…
the lone male landed in a tree where, with some creative maneuvering, I was able to get some pretty clear shots of him. He was mostly in shade with the sun behind him, so filtered light striking the back of his beak caused it to be outlined in white – kind of a different look.
Usually when I photograph quail, they’re either on manicured lawn grass or they’re scurrying around in my vegetable garden, so this time I was pleased to get one in a more natural setting. Cluttered and shaded though it is.
The only pose variety he gave me was when he was looking down at the two female quail far below him. I suspect one of them was his mate.
When I’m in the area of the river, I always check one of the ponds to see if the female Belted Kingfisher is back. I haven’t seen her since early January and I’ve missed her, like an old friend who has mysteriously disappeared from my life.
And by golly, this time I found her, although it was a near-miracle with so many of the leaves back on the trees. Unlike her, she wasn’t chattering at me and it was impossible to see her on her chosen fishing perches through all the leaves. I just happened to see her take flight in my peripheral vision (thanks to my “new eye”) and when she landed here I couldn’t see her again.
But this time I knew where she was and by using some creative driving techniques, I was able to maneuver to a spot where I had a clear view of her. I only got a few shots that looked exactly like this one before she took off away from me.
No action shots and no interesting poses but I was still grinning all the way home, delighted to have her back.
Ron
Love the Quail pictures! Happy that you found your Kingfisher.
Given that my smiles have stretched my face I can only imagine yours…
Oh my god, I’m smitten! When I scrolled down to your first California Quail photo my eyes flew open and some unintelligible sounds fell out of my mouth. You have some of the most exquisite photos, Ron. (My husband walked in and wondered what I was carrying on about, but then I showed him the photo and he understood.) Being able to see these details, which I will never get to see otherwise, is just delightful. In case you haven’t heard it enough recently, thanks again for all your work.
That’s high praise, Nina. Thanks very much.
Nice Quail shots!
Thanks, Tony.
Woo Hoo! Your Kingfisher is back “home” again! She is such a delightful bird! I’m sure my grin will be plastered on my face for several hours today (and people I pass will be wondering, “What’s so damn funny?”), so win-win. 😈😂
Mr. Quail is quite the handsome chap as well — no wonder he’s got a couple of the ladies after him. 😉
“no wonder he’s got a couple of the ladies after him.”
I found him again this morning, Marty. This time he only had one lady with him. I guess he’s made his choice. Or she has. Probably the latter.
Aren’t you glad for your “new” eye ? My eyes have spotted some old friends at my bird feeders in the last 2 days– Lazuli buntings, wearing their most brilliant breeding colors– they make my heart leap every time a truly TURQUOISE head passes thru a patch of sunlight ! Also,
I love the way the male quail perches high up, on branches or boulder tops to act as a safety lookout for his family and friends….
“Aren’t you glad for your “new” eye?”
I sure as hell am, Kris. It makes a big positive difference for me all day long. I don’t think I’ll ever take it for granted.
I had a beautiful male Lazuli at my feeder about three weeks ago – for about five seconds. Never saw him again so I guess he was just passing through.
It’s always nice to see a feathered friend return after a while away. I hope we’ll see more great pictures of the kingfisher.
The harrier pair that nested in the space behind my house the last couple of years have only stopped by a few times this spring, and have hopefully found another suitable nesting space nearby. Maybe some of your luck will rub off here, and I’ll at least see them coming by more for some hunting.
Bill, it would be tough to lose harrier friends too. I hope you get to see them at least occasionally.
Thank you for the smile to start the day! A closeup of Mr. Quail, and sighting of your Kingfisher. Even though “my” quail pair is in my yard almost every day (after a 36-40 bird covey thru the winter/early spring), every sighting of them makes me blurt out an excited “Quail!” Photos count as a sighting.😄
And so lovely that your Kingfisher made it thru the winter. Hopefully she’ll provide you with many opportunities to document her antics.
“Hopefully she’ll provide you with many opportunities to document her antics.”
That’s what I’m hoping for, Carolyn. Didn’t see her this morning though. Or she was just hidden (and quiet) in all those leaves.
Beautiful photos of the quail Ron and nice post. I was baptized with water from the original Jordan River 87 years ago in Philadelphia.
Thanks, Everett. Our Jordan River was named after THAT Jordan River, for several reasons.
Considering the light angle you managed to get some nice shots of that California Quail. A bit jealous that you get to see them in your own yard.
Re the Kingfisher, it is always a gratifying pleasure when reconnecting with an old avian friend.
Thanks, Michael. I went down looking for the kingfisher again this morning but didn’t find her. Found the quail though – the male and one of the females.
Quail are beautiful little birds – did well even with less than ideal lighting. Glad the Kingfisher is back – looking a bit scruffy but may have been the morning dew. 🙂
Magpies here are “in for it” again as Grackles are nesting in spruce trees close to and higher than the Magpie nest. Magpies seem to be ever hopeful they won’t come back when moving the nest back to where it is now every year…… 😉
“may have been the morning dew”
Judy, she was wet from diving on fish. She dove just prior to landing on this perch.
Quails and their “fascinator” headgear are just perfectly dressed birds! And this guy is a handsome one — no wonder he’s got two ladies hanging out with him. 😉
Your Kingfisher (nay, Queenfisher!) is a lovely one, too. So glad you’ve found her again. May this be the first of many encounters in the coming months! ❤️
Oops, how did I post there? 🙄 Well, anyway, I’m sure you’ll see my “brilliant” commentary! Lol.
Thank you, Chris.
If you click “reply” under someone else’s comment, your comment will appear as a reply to that person. It’s easy to do.
Oh, yeah, I get that, I’m just always kind of dumbfounded when I do it! Though by now I should not be! 😂
Amazing! I haven’t seen a Quail since we left Bountiful over 30 years ago. They (I guess the females) would run around – with their little ones following behind – in and out of the oak, across the driveway – and into the oak on the other side.
And- haven’t seen a King Fisher since the days of my youth. We lived on the Jordan River.
So -THANKS for fond memories of the past!!
Thanks, Judy. Bountiful has lots of quail. I used to see them regularly at my uncle’s house in Bountiful.