Nine Gambel’s Quail eggs in the patio planter.
About a week ago we had a new resident move in on our patio. I didn’t know she was there until one morning I was adding water the the fountain near the rosemary plant, when all of a sudden something flew out of the planter, scaring the shit out of me. At first I thought it was a dove on the wall I had not seen as I approached the fountain. It was only till the next time a similar happening took place did I realize the bird was coming from the planter. Since the bird was over the patio wall so quickly, not getting a good look, I assumed it was one of the many doves frequently seen around the fountain.
Patio fountain near rosemary planter.
I decided it was time for some investigative work and checked out the rosemary plant. What I found was nine eggs under the plant. With that many eggs it was for sure not a dove. It was probably a quail, but when she was on the nest it was difficult to till for sure. She is often on the nest when we are on the patio late in the day and evening, not seeming to be bothered by our talking and music nearby.
To make sure our new resident was a Gambel’s Quail, this morning move closer to the planter, as I crossed her comfort line she flew out over the wall, this time getting a good look at a Gambel’s Quail.
Images by kenne
Those of you who have followed this blog over the last few years know we have a resident Western screech owl near our front entranced under the tile roof on a somewhat hidden beam. The owl usually spends every other day here, apparently alternating with another daytime home in his nighttime range.
We did have a resident packrat, however we evicted her. We also have a resident gopher snake, but he tends to stay out of sight in appreciation of Joy’s fear of snakes.
— kenne
Great saga; now, hopefully, those future quail have a chance against a hungry gila!