The six chicks are almost on their own. I had posted a few days ago that I spotted mom and dad, but none of their brood. Well, the chicks crossed the street early yesterday morning as shown. They live for another day. The adult male was way off to the side, providing guidance, I assume, should danger appear.
Quail chicks are independent after about a month. In fact, they are mobile as soon as they are born–the adults get them away from the hatched eggs since the scent attracts predator.
The quail is the state bird of California where the car is king; ironic, given that quails prefer to walk rather than fly.
