Woohooo a Gambels Quail nest!

by Cindy
(So Cal Desert mtns.)

Daddy Gambels Quail

A few years ago, we had a Quail pair, nesting on my patio in my brick flower planter. At either end of the planter are Rosemary bushes. The soil is moist most always there, and they're nesting right under one of the bushes. Same spot as the other pair did.

The only problem, is.. When the chicks are ready to follow mom and dad, they can't get out of the planter!

It sets about a foot to two feet down, and about three feet off the ground.

Though the parents are smart for choosing such a location, they don't realize what's to come.

With the last batch of chicks.. Mom and dad called feverishly to them, trying to get them to follow them on the ground.

Their persistent cries alerted us. They could not get out. I called a wildlife bird rescue and asked what I could do. We rounded up all the babies.. SIXTEEN, corralled them into a box on its side and had to chase a few stragglers that we could not get into the box.

Once we knew all sixteen were in the box, we slowly walked out into the yard where mom and dad were nervously watching and calling.

We set the box down on its side near a bush, so they could pile out and then we quickly walked away. Sure enough!! Mom and Dad flew to them, gathered them up, and the happy family walked single file off into the yard.. under a new bush to call home.

Oh boy, was it hard to catch those little things! And without hurting them! Like chasing chickens! It was quite an experience!

Guess we'll be doing the same thing this time around too.

I'll follow up, with nest pictures, eggs and then babies.. as soon as the blessed event happens!

They are the CUTEST little babies.. Quail. Until they become teenagers.. then they sort of look like miniature turkeys with out head feathers! HA!