thunderbird
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"Holy Grail of Wildlife Photography"... well at least in my opinion. 
After many days of painstakingly searching and following these elusive subjects, I finally GOT THE SHOT I wanted. 
A bit of background info to consider:
* California Quail is the official state bird of California (where I live).
** I've done some Google searching and still haven't found any results of a California Quail chick; together with its parent; in the wild; of high quality photography. These photos would be the first!
*** Since the Quail is a game bird, they're extremely shy. To get so close to them, I had to use all animal stalking skill that professional wildlife photographers use. This allows me to appreciate/photograph the birds without disturbing them AND let them act naturally as if no one is watching them. (One of the reasons why we NEVER take wildlife photos in a Zoo).
**** Long lenses (500, 600, 800) would be rendered useless in this situation. The Quails' habitat is surrounded with thick, dense brushes, with few openings of 15 ft diameter or so. That is about the bare minimum focus distances of these lenses.
Even though the California Quail is widely distributed all over California and other western states, they can be very difficult to find. We (Hanh "Lady_Bug" and I) found these by hiking up the canyon, facing possible dangers from Rattlesnakes, Mountain Lions, falling, getting lost, and wild fires. We kept coming back day after day, from the time they pair up at beginning of the breeding season until after the chicks hatch, then grow enough to walk/climb with their parents. Surprisingly, the location is less than 30 minutes from the contrastingly crowded and popular Bolsa Chica.
Enough with all the background blah blah, on with the photo. Taken with the usual gear, usual exposure settings, in harsh noon light, no flash fill, no tripod. Comment all you want.
Thank you.
Andy Nguyen
1. A wide shot to set the scene. From an earlier visit when chicks were about the size of an egg. Notice that's where the cliff falls off. These chicks are such excellent climbers, they're not scared of height for sure. 
2. MY HOLY GRAIL!! A more intimate shot of "Me & Daddy" [early Happy Father's Day gift to everyone!]
Larger versions of these and more can be seen on our website www.ndshow.com
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I still like the egret with the rainbow better 
