"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.

Awesome. Congratulations on your find.

Spectacular find Andy, first I've seen of the parent and young together!! Wish for a bit more room left of frame if you have it in #2

Tom

Great job Andy.

Rob

Very nice Andy. Great work!

Jason-

Wonderful, congratulation on these rare photos. Your hard work really paid off with these great photos.

What a beautiful bird and so nicely captured.

Congrats!! What a great feeling and awesome captures

Me first

"Since the Quail is a game bird, they're extremely shy..." I agree. I see some (pack of 5-8) around/or nearby my property often but they usually go into bushes or fly away once they see you. I have never seen the young in person before.

Congrats Andy and Hanh. This is an incredible find and wonderful captures of them. Your hard work paid off. I am still in relentless pursuit for a "Holy Grail" shot of my own

Dan

Great shots. Normally there is so much quick movement all of the time. Well done. Al

Congrats on the find Andy I still like the egret with the rainbow better

Great shot, but I'm not impressed with the dangers you faced. Just to get to see your image, I faced:

Falling down the stairs!
Possible Meteor Strike on my person!
Remote chance of the Sun EXPLODING for no apparent reason!!

So, you can see, the dangers you faced pale by comparison.

Super shots!!

Howard.

Congratulations!
I think the photo is great, but the story makes it even more special
JM

Excellent photographs and great story.

Beautiful shot!

Didn't you mean your 'Holy Quail' shot

Great images Andy and inclusive of the bug in the first shot! The filtered light on this shot makes me think they aren't far from some type of cover, the BG adds some drama to the shot.
Second image is wonderful and that is a nice look you got from the proud parent, cute little chick

Congrats Andy and I am not sure who really faced most danger, you or Johnny B

It is great Andy that you Hanh have this amount of time to devote to getting shots like this, I would love an opportunity like this. I will share one thing that comes to mind when you mention quail. Over 30yrs ago when I used to hunt small game I came upon a covey of quail sitting in a circle as I understand they do for safety. The circle was about 4-6ft in diameter and as I peered down the slope and caught the sight of one I soon realized there were several and it was quite interesting to watch the ones that spotted me twitch their tails to touch and warn the others of my presence, then they all lifted at the same time like an explosion, it was a great site to see!

Continued success in your quests, I look forward to seeing the results.
Karl

Thats what it is all about working to get that super shot. Well done Andy. Ed

Fantastic captures!

Really nice work to get close enough to get these shots, plus nailing them once you were there.