Quail are one of our most interesting wild game birds in California. They”re also one of my favorites.
Many years ago I hunted quail but haven”t done so in a number of years. I enjoy just watching these interesting birds although I still support those who hunt them. There are two species of quail in Northern California — the California quail (often called the valley quail) and the elusive mountain quail. Both are native to Lake County.
California quail are found at the lower elevations, whereas the mountain quail are found at higher elevations, mainly in the Mendocino National Forest. The black plume of short curved feathers can identify a male California quail. He weighs about seven ounces and is a social animal, spending most of the year in large coveys. Typically a covey will consist of 10-12 birds. As they feed there is also a sentry on lookout for danger. When danger is present the sentinel gives an alarm call and the covey heads for cover. During the fall their primary foods are seeds, annual grasses and the fruits and leaves of woody plants. Once the winter rains start their diet changes to mostly green leaves of forbes, clovers and grasses.
Quail are shy, nervous little birds and even when they are in your backyard they rarely allow you to approach them. Every morning a covey of California quail visits my two birdbaths for water. They bring their young and the adults stand watch while the little ones drink. Once they are finished drinking they immediately scurry back to heavy cover. They are excellent parents.
Mountain quail are considered extremely shy birds. They are the largest species of quail in the state — an adult male weighs up to 12 ounces. The males and females look alike and can be identified by the long, slender and straight black plume on their heads. They are normally found at the higher elevations. As the weather turns bad in the winter the quail will migrate to the lower slopes. They would rather walk than fly and it”s not unusual for a mountain quail to walk up to 30 miles from its summer range to its wintering grounds.
Both species of quail are nervous little critters. They rarely stand still and when they feed they are constantly communicating with each other with short peeps. When the covey is separated the birds will call incessantly until they regroup. The valley quail averages 10 to 12 birds per covey while the average size of a covey of mountain quail is about six birds.
Quail are usually found near water and will actually drink several times a day. They also like to hide in brush piles. Another technique to locate quail is to listen for the birds to call. Quail are very vocal in the mornings when they regroup. In fact, a few hunters even use a quail call to locate the birds.
Quail and other wild birds and animals are a delight to view and the more you know about their habits the more enjoyable your time in the woods will be. One of the best places to view quail and other wildlife is Clear Lake State Park. There are a number of trails where you can walk silently and get a close-up view of wildlife. Anderson Marsh State Park is another excellent choice.
One of my favorite locations to view wildlife is Lake Pillsbury. There is a large herd of tule elk at the lake and deer are also common as are turkeys and other birds. It”s a great place to have a picnic. Snow Mountain is another favorite of mine. From the trailhead you can see for miles. To reach Snow Mountain take Elk Mountain Road out of Upper Lake and turn to the right at Bear Creek Road. The road not only takes you to the Bear Creek Campground but you can also drive another six miles to the trailhead.
Lake County has more to offer local residents and visitors than just bass fishing. The wildlife viewing, especially during the fall months, is nothing short of spectacular.
