A baby California quail tiptoes through the grass in the South Okanagan.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Shirley Sobkow
July 24, 2024 - 6:00 AM
The California quail is a popular bird in the Okanagan, recognized by its comical topknot, and area photographers have been capturing photos of the adorable babies born this spring and summer.
The sociable birds can be seen in large flocks or coveys of more than 20 and because the babies are snacks for a variety of predators, the birds have huge broods as many as three times per year, laying eggs in scratched out ground nests.
Flocks of adults with mottled, fluffy babies in tow can be spotted in open grassy areas, including in backyards and other urban spaces giving onlookers a dose of cuteness. Parents can be seen perched on something a few feet in the air, keeping watch over their babies.
These little fluffballs in the South Okanagan are California quail babies.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Jodi Forster
California quail do not migrate in the winter, but instead form even larger coveys of sometimes with hundreds of birds. The flocks will explode into the air when surprised and quickly settle back down.
READ MORE: iN PHOTOS: Euro car show in Kelowna raises money for charity
The California quail is native to the southwestern United States but was introduced to BC as a game bird in the 19th century. Its range is confined to the Okanagan, however birdwatchers have heard reports of them spotted in Westwold, the Shuswap and Kamloops over the past several years.
Even if you haven’t seen quail up close, you’ve likely heard the distinctive chi-ca-go call or the quieter pit-pit alarm on walks through the woods.
If you have wildlife photos you want to share, send them to news@infonews.ca.
A brood of baby California quail peck the grass in the South Okanagan.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Jodi Forster
A fluffy baby quail sits in grass in the South Okanagan.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Jodi Forster
This little baby quail was spotted in the Okanagan.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Dianne Bersea
Four baby quail huddle together in Penticton.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Gary Grimmell
An adult California quail in Vernon moves along the grass with its babies.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Judi Folk
Two fluffy baby California quail search for snacks in the Okanagan.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Dianne Bersea
To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.
News from © iNFOnews, 2024