Tuesday, August 18, 2015

California quail in song, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Photograph of a quail singing in a bush in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

After spending some quality time photographing this California quail singing from the top of a branch of coyote brush last summer, I took another lap around the Tennessee Valley Trail. I didn’t see much on my traverse, but when I returned, this friendly quail had moved to a different perch even closer to the trail. His new location certainly didn’t tamp down his vigor, so I took advantage of the opportunity to make a few more photographs of him throwing his head back and calling out his lovely song.

View more of my quail photography.

Submitted to Wild Bird Wednesday -- follow the link to check out this week's posts.


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18 comments:

  1. Brian KingAugust 18, 2015 at 5:14 PM

    That's beautiful!

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    1. Pat UlrichAugust 18, 2015 at 6:19 PM

      Thanks, Brian! Quail are one of my favorite subjects, and catching one mid-song had been high on my wishlist for years before I came across this happy bird.

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  2. GreenComotionAugust 18, 2015 at 7:18 PM

    Hi Pat,
    This is one beautiful bird and a very nice snap.
    Never heard/seen this one before, but may be it is too far for that bird to come to GA - thanks for bringing it to all of us :)
    Have a Happy Week!
    Peace :)

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    1. Pat UlrichAugust 18, 2015 at 9:07 PM

      Thanks very much! They are a gorgeous bird with a lot of personality. They're found in all of the western states, but not east of the Rockies. Though according to the comment below from Mick, you can also see them in New Zealand!

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  3. mickAugust 18, 2015 at 7:47 PM

    Great photo and a beautiful bird.I remember seeing them many years ago in New Zealand there they were introduced and became naturalized.

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    1. Pat UlrichAugust 18, 2015 at 9:09 PM

      Thanks, Mick! That's really fascinating about them becoming naturalized in NZ. Add that to my list of reasons that I must get down to that side of the globe for some photography!

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  4. eileeninmdAugust 19, 2015 at 5:52 AM

    Cute bird and a great photo!

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    1. Pat UlrichAugust 19, 2015 at 6:07 PM

      Thanks, Eileen! They are one of my favorites to watch!

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  5. NCSueAugust 19, 2015 at 7:14 AM

    I wonder if that topknot thingy serves any functional purpose?
    Great photo!
    Hope you'll swing on by http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/08/double-play-on-way.html to check out some other great photos & feel free to link up!

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    1. Pat UlrichAugust 19, 2015 at 6:08 PM

      Thanks! I believe it's primary focus is to impress the females

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  6. Sharon WagnerAugust 19, 2015 at 9:59 AM

    He is perched so perfectly in the greenery.

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  7. Adam JonesAugust 19, 2015 at 11:11 AM

    Wonderful!

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  8. Silver ParrotAugust 19, 2015 at 3:10 PM

    Nice photos. It's funny, but I never thought of quail as a bird that "sings" - glad to see this informative shot.

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    1. Pat UlrichAugust 19, 2015 at 6:10 PM

      Thanks! I suppose its more of a "call" than a "song", but it's one of my favorite bird sounds to hear!

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  9. A Colorful WorldAugust 19, 2015 at 7:18 PM

    Wonderful encounter! Great shot!

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