A friend of mine told me about a very photogenic Bobwhite, who has been making regular visits to a certain signpost at my favorite spot: Goose Lake Prairie State Park every morning. Today, I escaped from work for an hour or so and tried my luck. I couldn't believe what I saw. He was there all right. I heard him before I saw him, so I slowed the car and found that he was running next to my car. That can shock anyone. Anyway, I stopped, he stopped, let out a whistle, and looked at me. He scrambled off a few feet, stopped, let out a whistle, and went on his way. I drove on, turned around, and creeped up again. He found his favorite signpost, flew up on it, and started his morning ritual. I pulled up next to him, took a few shots, went up aways to turn around for a drivers side angle, and shot from across the road. I couldn't believe he stayed. I shot some video, shot a few more stills, and pushed my luck up a notch. I thought I might try some super-detailed shots with this tolerant quail, so I pulled up to about 5 feet away, turned off the car, and shot my heart out. He was incredible. He continued to whistle the entire time.
Of course, you can click on any photo to see the details!
The purple stain around his mouth is from mulberries. It was obvious, as his roosting tree I found him in after his morning session was next to a mulberry tree.
Thanks Bob! I REALLY enjoyed my time with you!
Video to come...
