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Posted by David S. on 22:33:56 04/19/11
I was working around the house this afternoon and almost stumbled over these three birds (I was about 8' away) before I saw them. These 3 Northern Bobwhites, 2 males, 1 female, were feeding on the ripe (black) berries of Lantana camera plants I have growing around the house. They were almost oblivious of my presence and showed no fear while I took pictures. They appeared slightly smaller than the quail I'm used to seeing in Everglades NP. This and their lack of fear is why I question whether or not they might be escapees from someone's barn. My place is in the deep south Redlands of Dade County, so anything is possible out here. They wandered to the back of the house, pecking at weed seeds and other plants in my un-mowed yard. After about 10-15 minutes, they appeared around the front of the house again, allowing me to get within several feet of them. They hung together in a group, with the males always keeping together with the female where ever she went. Are these genuine Northern Bobwhites or are they regulated to "chicken status", being farm-raised birds and someone's escaped pets?
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