The mountain quail in north Mason County usually have between 4 and 7
chicks. I've never seen more than seven and usually no more than 3-4
chicks. Survival rates are not good so by the end of summer most quail
groups I've seen in this area are down to 2-4 chicks or less. I presently
have one male with one chick and a hen with 3 chicks coming in to feed.
Then there are what I call the Four Tenors as they are a small covey of four
adult males.

Recently on TV (Outdoor Oregon or something like that) had a program on
mountain quail monitoring in south-eastern Oregon. There the mountain quail
have up to 13-15 babies with the adults splitting up the brooding between
two nests to enhance survival rates. What I thought was a split brood at my
place turned out not to be so. Saturday evening the female with 3 chicks
were feeding when the lone male and his chick came in to feed. The male
chased the female through the scotch broom until she flew up and perched on
a broom branch. The male then started chasing the hen's chicks around in
the brush while the male's chick stood by with a very befuddled look on it's
face. Not being one to intervene except in extraordinary circumstances I
decided to step out onto the deck which was enough a disturbance to send the
quail running. The male returned to feed with his chick and the hen was
able to leave with her kids unmolested.

I have noticed the quail will not bring the kids around when the crows are
at the feeding area. They will come in when smaller, less aggressive birds
or other young birds are feeding. Sometimes the feeding area looks like
birdy daycare with all the young quail, mourning doves, towhees, song
sparrows and jays feeding, bathing and resting.

Time to go mow the lawn.

Mary Hrudkaj
Belfair/Tahuya

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