First 4 really tough days for baby quail in my backyard in Green Valley, AZ 05122024

[bkolodzi]

I know for sure that at one point I counted 6 baby quail in my back yard, and I think I captured their first sunrise on 05/08/2024. Just a couple of days later, I could only see 3 of the 6, and the next day, I only saw 2 following Mom. I am not sure what happened to the other 4. It could have been a snake, a lizard, or a roadrunner. It is possible that they just did not have the energy to sustain them in their first few days, and they just died for reasons other than predation.

One thing I can say is that Mom and Dad are doing the best they can. I am sure that in the next few days, the babies will be able to flit up to the top of the fence, and after that, all bets are off as to what happens to them. These last two babies seem fairly hearty, but I am fully prepared mentally to see only 1 following Mom around. I did put a plate of water on the patio to help them out. I amazed at the attrition rate of the babies in a semi protected area such as my backyard. I hope the best for them.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW9_qNH2_i8