So the quail were having a great time pecking at the seed.
Then our squirrel arrived on the scene. In the photo below, he's getting ready to spring up at them, and the quail both quickly jumped out of his way before any contact was made.
Then they settled down and seemed to be eating the seed side by side, and everything was okay.
Then suddenly the female came too close, and the squirrel went into attack mode. It looked like he went flying up and hit her. The bird flapped and jumped - you can't even see her in the photo below, except some feathers. I don't know if she's covered in the dust, or under the spread feathers. The male bird fluffed up and spread his tail feathers.
It was over in a second, no one was hurt, and then they ate side by side again.
This little squirrel is so entertaining. He always seems to be into something, or doing something funny. When I see him, I get the camera ready, because something's going to happen.
Last night I was just lowering my blinds, when I looked out and saw the bonfire. I couldn't miss the first fire of the season, so I bundled up, put Katie's coat on, and we walked over to join the group.
It was a perfect fire.
Sitting around the fire, it was nice and warm.
Katie by firelight.
She didn't know what the heck was going on.
Good night, Katie.
Last night's moon.
Yesterday was a good day in Quartzsite!
From me and Katie, have a great Tuesday, everyone! : )
Who needs television?! You have wonderful entertainment there. And your photos are incredible! Love the action shot of the squirrel. And I miss seeing quail. Where I am (North Texas) we have not seen quail in probably 5 years. Many say it is due to fire ants devouring the eggs. :(
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing with us!
--Jool
Nice bonfire, sure makes for a nice social time to get together with everyone. I didn't think the squirrel and birds would eat with one another like that. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you didn't miss the first fire! Dogs must really wonder, sometimes, what the heck we humans are thinking!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great to take the time to watch nature unfold?
ReplyDeleteLove that picture of Katie up on the bed! Glad you are having a good time. My trip to AZ will be delayed a couple monthsand I am wondering what it will be like there in March.....
ReplyDeleteI was gone for a week in Orlando visiting Mickey(you know which one!)One of the 1st thing I did getting on the comp. again is to read your blog. You didn't disappoint.
ReplyDeleteHere in NYC those squirrels are chipmunks. They are super cute. Almost as cute as Katie but not quite!
Oh I love those late night bonfires. Here they don't have them . What a shame. I bet Katie even though shes confused must sense all the emotions that are being passed around. And bonfires relax everyone...maybe even Katie so she fell asleep early.
Loved your post.
ReplyDeleteOur Skittlez is scared to death of the bonfire so she stays in the rig. Scooter is fine with it but she gets cold and wants to go home which is fine with me because I get cold too. I also thought that was a chipmunk rather than a squirrel but I don't really know. Fabulous pictures.
ReplyDeleteNot only are the Gambel's quail fun to watch, but you gotta love the sounds they make.
ReplyDeleteI love to watch them and listen to them. I always thought they were chipmonks too but someone said they are squirrels who knows. But they are fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteBonfire sounds like a great way to get to know your nieghbors.
good night Katie..and you too, Barbara..sleep well!!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I call a real campfire!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of the squirrel and the quail.
wow now thats a bonfire...love the squirrel...you are definitely getting entertained...enjoy
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures of wildlife! Also, looks like you have your night time photos tuned in just right.
ReplyDeleteThe squirrel is so much smaller than the quail, I am surprised he was the aggressor. How much fun to watch the wildlife in its own habitat. And the bonfire looks wonderful - and WARM.
ReplyDeleteMy fav pasttime, watching the wildlife. And yeah, that's what we call a ground squirrel. Adorable lil things,,,lol. Wonder why there's just one?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE ur posts! And the pics are the absolute best...I've got to check back in ur posts and find out what kind of camera u have...I need something very user-friendly. lol Now I want to go to Quartzsite...looks like a great place to enjoy nature. Thx again and please keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteI would like to suggest that the squirrel is one of the numerous types of Western Chipmunks, looking and acting very similar to Eastern and other Chipmunks.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipmunk
Gary
Hi, Just received this e-mail and do not know if this is something you would be interested in.
ReplyDeleteSheila :)
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Everyone’s invited to the first Good Sam Rally of 2012 at Phoenix International Raceway, March 22–25. Presented by DISH Network, the Arizona event combines all things RV, from scores of RV seminars to hundreds of RV accessories to row after row of brand new RVs on display, and, of course, thousands of happy campers. This is the place to brush up on your RV driving skills, talk shop with RV experts and even test-drive a new motorhome on the Phoenix racetrack.
The Rally’s spectacular lineup of nighttime stage shows begins with a bang as John "Bowzer" Bauman, from ’50s nostalgia band Sha Na Na, gets the party started on opening night with toe-tappin’ golden oldies. On Friday, one of America’s most beloved comedians and all-time great performers, the iconic Bill Cosby, takes to the stage to share the wit, wisdom and humor of a lifetime. On Saturday, Grammy-nominated Platinum recording artist Martina McBride combines old-time honkytonk with progressive country folk in a feel-good performance that’s sure to make you smile. Closing night features the triumphant return of Ticket to Ride, the electrifying Beatles tribute band that had the 2007 Rally crowd on their feet singing along to favorite Fab Four tunes.
For a tail-wagging good time, Rally-goers can have their RV pups strut their paws in our ninth annual dog show and parade, aptly named "Desert Dogs." Pets play musical chairs and vie for best biscuit balance and silliest pet trick. Don’t miss the hilarious swimsuit competition and the dog-and-owner look-alike contest—now that’s entertainment!
And don’t miss out on the chance to ramp up your driving skills at the RV Safe Driver Training Program. This class not only trains RVers to be better drivers, in some cases it can even save money on RV insurance. The six-hour session increases driver awareness, identifies bad habits and helps with RV handling so graduates of the class can get behind the wheel with confidence and expertise.
To get the latest Good Sam Rally information and register for the greatest event in RVing, visit TheRally.com or call 800-701-1399. All-inclusive prices for the four days start at only $189 per rig, entitling you to the entire Rally experience. It’s going to be a great time!
We hope to see you in the pits in Phoenix!
Great shots of the bonfire - that's hard to do! How long will you be in Quartzsite? My single RVers group, the WINs will be there in January. If you'd like to meet up with them, email me and I will send you the itinerary.
ReplyDelete