In 1931 the California quail was designated as our state bird Callipepla californica. Callipepla means “lovely woven robe.” their heavy bodies and strong legs equip them for life on the ground rather than flight. They rarely fly further than nearby trees or shrubs to escape from danger.

On a number of occasions, I have witnessed parents shepherding chicks across Alameda del Prado to forage in the shrubs and grasses on the island. Sometimes the rolly polly, fluffy chicks will tumble down the slope to catch up with their mother.

While foraging for food, the birds talk constantly making “ut-ut” sounds in order to keep the group together and prevent members from straying. And at times while weeding I can hear them rustling in nearby shrubs. Quail forage for seeds and berries in the summer and early fall, scraps of acorn in the fall and winter and tender, broad leaves the remainder of the year. Quail digest leaves with an important intestinal protozoon which the chicks first obtain by pecking the feces of the adults.

I “met” the above pictured quail one Saturday morning perched on one of the beautiful serpentine rocks. (our state rock). For over an hour he kept his “sentry post” unbothered by my presence allowing me to take a myriad of photos. These “sentries” are usually males. They expose themselves to danger from predators while their covey forages. When spying danger, he makes a rapid “pit-pit” or ku-rr” alarm sound meaning “extreme danger coming from the sky!” They will also attack western scrub-jays, kingsnakes and even dogs. When they hear the “warning” covey members run or fly to cover, quietly talking to each other while undercover unless the danger is extreme.