Mountain Quail

These little cuties are new to my area, only seen in the last couple of years. 
Easily confused with the California Quail, but if you look at side by side photos, the differences are many.  These are bigger, like the size of a football, much more colorful and their topnotch is more of an apostrophe shape.  The CA Quail's topnotch curves over the top of their head.

This year I have only three or four.  Last year I had about twelve.  I imagine they are a tasty treat for cougars, bobcats and coyotes, which we didn't have last year, but have been seen this year.

I enjoy watching these sweeties roaming about the yard, driveway and bird feeding area, just about any time of day.

I'll try to get better photos, but they are quite skiddish, so I have to shoot from inside the house.