Birds in Nature - images of wild birds by Richard Ditch

Subject: Gambel's Quail (Callipepla gambelii)
Place: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Date: March 2004
Equipment: Nikon N90S, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (= 600/5.6), tripod
Film: Fuji Sensia 100
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix meter
Scan: Minolta Dimage, 70% of frame

Commentary: A backyard shot, taken from inside through the glass of the patio door. These birds are abundant in suburban settings here, and we've had up to 15 in our yard at a time. Last year they nested, and this year we seem to have two pair trying to nest. But they are very spooky birds and hide if I try stepping outside for better photos.