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, Davis County, UtahCalifornia 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.