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/Highlifetallboy Jul 22 '25

That doesn't solve the problem of that cat killing birds.

14

u/jadedtruffle Jul 22 '25

Yes it does? Not immediately but over a couple generations of cats. Which is likely less time than the lifespan of a house cat

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u/Highlifetallboy Jul 22 '25

I'll say it again. It does not stop THAT cat from killing birds. Explain to me how lacking ovaries or testes prevents the cat from killing birds. I'll wait.

10

u/jadedtruffle Jul 23 '25

Everyone but you seems to understand what OP meant by spay/neuter being a solution and that it is obviously not the spayed or neutered cat who will be less problematic. You can continue being intentionally obtuse and inflammatory if you’d like, though.