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.

Nice captures. With Cookie's feeding stations, we get several hundred of the California variety each day. Presently, we have a Sharp Shin, Goshawk, and neighborhood cat exploiting the situation as well.

Ours have similar flank feathers that I like to use on some of my steelhead flies.

Execellent shots. Very nice. Thanks for sharing

sad that there must be 6 neighborhood cats staking out a few bird feeders here too.

Nice pics. Probably should have included one of your dog freaking out as well.

awesome

I've only ever seen Bobwhites, but I sure like all quail.

Cool looking bird and pics!