Date: 12/28/25 11:05 am From: Mary Anne Goldberg <mapmg2011...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Odd Quail Behavior
To anyone who is responding to Shantanu's question -!please reply to the
group as well. I'd love to read the replies.
Thanks,
Mary Anne Goldberg
Royal Oaks
On Sat, Dec 27, 2025, 12:52 PM Shantanu Phukan <phukan...> wrote:
> I have an adult, male California Quail hanging out in my backyard for the
> last 5 days. I know this is a common yard bird for those of you who live
> near chaparral, but for me in my neighborhood near Ocean and Soquel this is
> highly unusual. In the 19 years I have lived in this house I have only seen
> a quail once (a female in 2023). I first saw this quail in my toyon tree on
> the 22nd, and scared it off and it flew off into the neighborhood where I
> lost it.
>
> Every day since then it has appeared and foraged in the backyard where I
> throw millet seeds for the sparrows. It also roosted and preened in my
> persimmon tree for an hour and is still here now after 5 hours. I do live a
> block from Branciforte Creek but the creek is channeled at this point so
> its hard to think how it could even have got near my house which is
> surrounded by homes and fenced backyards for at least ten blocks all
> around.
>
> We are all being held hostage to the quail since we dont want to step out
> lest we scare it off. But if I had to be held hostage this is a wonderful
> way for it to happen.
>
> Now my questions:
> I would normally expect quails to be in coveys at this time of year, so
> what is this quail doing all alone for the last 5 days?
> Do young adult males disperse and leave their natal flocks after they have
> grown up?
> Would a young adult born this summer already have attained adult plumage
> by December or does it take them till later into the next year for this to
> happen?
> Is it in danger from lurking cats or are quails a little too big cats?
>
> Shantanu Phukan
>
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