This quail image was a fluke. As I was photographing on another assignment, I suddenly heard the low murmur that quail use to communicate and it sounded like it was very close. I turned to find this fellow hunkered down on a rocky bank within about 30 feet of me. Curious as to why he would stay put when there were 3 humans within a few feet of him moving around and talking, all I could think of was maybe there was a hawk nearby...? It turned out his lady friend was perched on top of the barn where I was photographing and that was his motivation to stick around with us so close.