Changeable Weather

College Place, Walla Walla's quiet neighbor                                      © Diane B. Reed

It's been a changeable winter here in the Walla Walla Valley. We've had our share of snow, rain, wind, and overcast skies. But when the sun comes out the valley shows off its natural beauty, even in its winter garb. It's been downright balmy this past week, warm enough to fool us into thinking that spring might be just around the corner. But, of course, it's only a matter of time before winter returns with a vengeance. 

California Quail                                                 © Diane B. Reed

The birds at our feeders keep up their single-minded pursuit of food. They're unimpressed with a few warm days—they can't afford to be.They noisily jockey for position, while quail scratch around below the feeders for dropped seeds. 

California Quail                                                  © Diane B. Reed

The Cornell "All About Birds" web site describes the California Quail as a "handsome, round soccer ball of a bird with a rich gray breast, intricately scaled underparts, and a curious, forward-drooping head plume."  This fluffed-up fellow hiding under the bushes fits the description.