I had a great surprise this evening when I came out to the family room
before starting dinner. I noticed a mountain quail down at the feeding area
so I grabbed the binos to verify male or female. To my surprise the female
mountain quail had a covey of little ones with her. After several tries I
was able to count 7 babies moving about like little fluffy pinballs. A
couple were feeding near mom quail, another kept quite near mom and four
others skittered about randomly in the newly mown weeds until one spotted
something and the other three hurried over.

The little ones look to be about the size of fluffy small tennis balls and
were of dark brown and yellow mottled coloring, much like mallard ducklings.
After a few minutes the group wandered off down the old lane and out of
sight. The quail had come in to feed when no other birds were present.
Shortly after they left the feeding area became crowded with 5 young
towhees, a couple young song sparrows and several mourning doves (adult and
young). Hopefully the other female I've seen around will bring in her
little ones soon.

Seeing so many little quail was a great treat but I know that attrition will
reduce the numbers by end of summer. But seeing this little troupe of
fluffy foragers made my day.

Mary Hrudkaj
Belfair/Tahuya

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