Quail Diner - Reservations Not Required

Table for two please

This year we have even more Gambel's Quail families than all the years before.  I'm guessing it is because there is more food, since I added several bird feeders, baths and drinking stations throughout the yard.  Mark lovingly calls our backyard "Rocki's Resort" because of the variety of birds that visit - sometimes it's like an all you can eat buffet that went wild.

Dad, baby and mom looking for an open table

 Most of the pictures I take are from inside the house and through sunscreens, so please pardon the unprofessional look of them.  The one above is from my dining room window, which is my favorite spot to watch all the birds, especially the quail as they are my favorite!
  

The babies are learning to eat on their own

Watching the baby quail and other birds grow has been the most exciting part of my summer.  Okay, there's more excitement than that going on, but I seriously enjoy watching and identifying birds.

So how do you think he got up there?

The topknot on their heads are starting to show and they look SO cute!  I just want to pick them up and cuddle them! 



Mom and babies hiding from the rain

We have the Gambel's Quail throughout our state and it isn't uncommon to see them in neighboring front or backyards.  But every time I see these adorable birds, it's like the first time!  They, along with the other birds, simply make me smile and enjoy my little sanctuary - my Rocki's Resort.

Happy Birding!
Peace,
Rocki

Peeping Quail

About a month or so ago, the little family of quails that frequent our home stopped by for another visit. I love quails and enjoy watching them stroll about as a family. This particular type of quail is quite beautiful and very peaceful - plus they make the coolest sound. It's rather sad to think that people actually "hunt" them.

There are usually 5 of them that leisurely walk through our yard looking for food and maybe some shade to rest under. Well, on this particular visit, I was in my pool doing my morning exercises when I heard little noises coming from our roof. There on top was the Dad, as I call him, just checking out the sites and every once in while would look down into the pool at me. It was cute at first, but then it started to feel a little weird - like a peeping-tom. Naw. Birds aren't like that.

Anyway, so I ran into the house (with my towel on) and grabbed my camera. I started clicking away and then, as if he realized he had been caught red handed in his peeping-tom act, he snuck off to the other side of the roof. Who knows, maybe the Mrs. was calling him or he was just camera shy, but he sure moved pretty quick.

I got back into the pool and floated around. I couldn't help but smile with the thought of being able to see our happy little quail family. But then I started to feel a little creeped out and kept looking up at the roof to see if I was being watched. Naw.

Happy Friday everyone!
☼ Rocki