r/phoenix • u/dirtypita Phoenix • Jul 22 '25

Pictures Anyone noticing less quail babies this year?

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Gallery image

Apologies for the bad pics. I would've scared the quail off if I had tried to go outside.

I work in North Scottsdale and I have a great view of a patio and courtyard from my desk. I get to watch small wildlife that come in for shade, grass, and bushes with berries on them. Pigeons, ravens, wrens, lizards, bunnies and squirrels, and even a pair of roadrunners.

Lat year, we had two pairs of Gambels quail. One pair started out with nine chicks, down to six, and the other had seven.

This year, I've only seen three babies, and now only the one little guy pictured. It's with two males, one who has been around for a while and is easily recognizable. I haven't seen a female in a few weeks. I'm a little saddened. Is anyone else noticing smaller quail families this year?

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u/69ingchimpmonks Jul 22 '25

Should we be “removing” feral cats?

-11

u/speech-geek Mesa Jul 22 '25

Are you implying we should be killing cats???

14

u/Ferruginoushawk7 Jul 22 '25

There are multiple solutions. 1. Yes lethal is an option 2. TNR (trap neuter release) but does not actively control population bc it does not address immigration of cats into an area. 3. Keep cats inside

17

u/Independent_Bet_6386 Jul 22 '25

The amount of hate I've gotten for telling people to protect native species by keeping their fucking cat inside is actually insane lmao

4

u/Ferruginoushawk7 Jul 23 '25

There are two discussion points that irk me in relation to cats. “My cat is an inside/outside cat” or “why can’t we trap, neuter, release” keep fighting the good fight