On my first photography outing in 2011, I had a nice encounter with a California quail in Point Reyes National Seashore, and it turned out to be a great year of quail images for me. Since I haven't made it out with my camera yet in 2012, I thought I'd post a few shots of a quail in honor of my unofficial "Year of the Quail" last year.
These two shots are of the same bird in the same bush just moments apart, and I couldn't decide between them as to which I liked more. I decided to include both as another example of why its a good idea to rotate the lens when you have a cooperative subject. Each image has its own feel -- to me, the vertical frame is more about the bird and the horizontal is more about the quail as part of its environment -- yet they were taken just moments apart.
View more images of California quail in my Quail Gallery.
Submitted to World Bird Wednesday -- Follow the link to check out this week's posts!
i think these are some of my favorite shots of yours ever. :)
ReplyDeleteQuails always make me smile. Would you mind if I used the first photo as a reference for a drawing (I'm not a very accomplished artist, so don't expect too much)?
ReplyDeleteThey are a stunning bird!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots, Pat!
ReplyDeleteNice, I like that bright green. With our lack of rain I have only dry grass to frame quail images.
ReplyDeleteSuperb captures Pat.
ReplyDeleteBoth are beautiful. What an interesting bird.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bird!
ReplyDeleteI like both-- do prefer the portrait as it does emphasize the beauty of the quali.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous images!
ReplyDeleteI still love this quail photo of yours, Pat and think it will always make me smile and chuckle. Wishing you and yours a very happy new year 2012.
ReplyDeleteBoth are great and perfect!
ReplyDeleteFantastic image, Pat! Love the colors/patterns of the bird and the green texture of the shrub.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bird and awesome photos. I would love to see this bird.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI don't know that there is a more dashing bird than the quail. It's plumage is so wonderfully complex and eccentric right to that exotic head plume. Your captures are divine and totally inspirational.
ReplyDeleteA wish you equal success this year after your truly astonishing photographic year of 2011.
Cheers to you Pat!
Firstly, both shots are gorgeous as is the bird. The vertical is a portrait with the subject centrally located, the horizontal shot is more the composition of a landscape or conversation piece but both are charming.
ReplyDeleteOh I got to visit there in 1980 and have always wanted to return. I love feather colouration of Quails and you got spectacular images with the elements at hand, just beautiful~
ReplyDeleteGreat shots!!!
ReplyDelete(I vote for the second one)
They are superb!
ReplyDeleteo, this beautiful quail. I am happy this was your choise for today. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, everyone! I'm glad you all enjoy seeing quail as much as I do. They have really been one of my favorite subjects, and Point Reyes National Seashore was a great place to photograph them.
ReplyDelete@Jedediah: You can certainly use the image as a drawing reference, and thanks very much for asking permission.
WOW! Great shot. I love it!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos. What you say about rotating the lens is true, you can feel it as you look at each photo. The clarity and contrast you have achieved is amazing.
ReplyDeleteMore beautiful images Pat. I love our California Quail and enjoy watching them as the male stands sentinel and the female and chicks go about foraging. The excitement of the flocks bursting into flight when you haven't noticed they are nearby can be quite exhilarating!
ReplyDeleteI can't choose between these two photos. They are both gorgeous captures. I wish you good light in 2012 and look forward to more of your excellent wildlife photography.