Male Gamble's Quail

This male Gambel's quail was sitting atop a rosemary bush protecting its female mate. They are extremely protective and spend a lot of time watching out for predators while their mates are eating and nesting. Chicks will be out soon and I am looking forward to capturing some great images of them. They often have broods of 14 or more but are nearly wiped out by predators in just a few weeks which results in just a few surviving to adulthood.