Home Forums Gear Photography Gambel Quail

My folks have a home in Cave Creek, Arizona, so it is always fun to catch the quail, javelina, and coyotes around the house. This Christmas Eve morning, I noticed this male Gambel on a shrub acting as the sentinel. Fortunately he stayed long enough for me to go back in the house to get the camera.

Nikon D810, 200-500 @ 500mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec, ISO 640.

The covey for which he was sentry had about 20 birds on the side of the yard moving under the mesquite trees and through the dried weeds. Listening and watching was fun for me and my GWP.

Nikon D810, 200-500 @ 500mm, f/6.7, 1/350 sec, ISO 1800
Both images are hand-held resting against a wall or railing.