The quail family

Daddy quail sitting atop a pile of gravel, well at least I think it should be Daddy, watching out for predators, while his family search for food.

I have noticed two quail families which seek the protection of the blackberry bushes near our house. This family, and one other with much younger chicks. I have attempted to take photos of the smaller chicks, but they are very shy, and move faster than I can get the camera ready to take their picture.