Covey Scout

“Covey Scout” features a male California Quail (Callipepla Californica) perched on a fallen branch on a grassy hillside dotted with bright California golden poppies.
 
California quail are social birds, usually found in small flocks known as “coveys”. The mature males of each mating pair or multifamily “brood” (usually 2-3 females and associated offspring) will perch in an elevated position (often on a rock, branch or fence post) to serve as sentinels or “scouts”, keeping a watchful eye while the other birds forage.
 
When approached, the male "scout" will emit warning “pips” of increasing urgency. If approached too closely, the male will run or fly a short distance from the brood or covey in an effort to distract potential predators.