Starting to see California quail in local backyards
By Gary Bogue
Friday, August 5th, 2011 at 6:36 am in California quail, coyotes, Feral cats.
California quail female with chicks in local backyard. Photo by Lynda Nunn, Walnut Creek, CA
I’m starting to get more and more reports of California quail parents bringing their babies into local backyards these days. Ten years ago, there was hardly a quail to be found, I suspect because feral cats were killing them.
I’m also getting email from more and more people who say they’re seeing coyotes near their homes. I wonder if the coyotes are thinning out the feral cat population, which, in turn, is allowing the quail population to increase?
Time will tell, I guess. Interesting. /Gary
California quail female with chicks in local backyard. Photo by Lynda Nunn, Walnut Creek, CA
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August 6th, 2011 at 9:04 am
Gary B.,
I don’t imagine you would remember me. I skied quite a bit w/barb, long time ago. This is an animal “Q”, I have a cockatiel that is ALL OF A SUDDEN whimpering. Sounds like bird grying. Do you know of a Satr. office hours, avian vet/consultant ? Bruce (925) 487-2812
August 6th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Quail are so fun to watch! We have a whole family (2 adults, LOTS of youngsters) who live on a rural lot we own in the Eastern Sierra. It’s such a blast to see them gather together feeding when they feel safe, and scamper through the bushes when something disturbs them.
Alas, my (indoor) cats have never seen them. Getting the kitties to look out the window at the right time is a challenge.