The California Quail does not belong here. But, this one was seen just west of Nelson yesterday.
The California Quail was seeded in the Okanagan for hunting in the nineteenth century, but it is rarely seen here. It is only my second sighting. Nine years ago I saw one in Waneta. As it generally avoids mountains and forested regions, the Kootenays are not particularly suitable for it.
A California Quail seen at Taghum.
For some reason some people buy bird eggs and release the birds when they are old enough. A person up the Slocan was doing this with Bob Whites also.
Thanks for all the great photos.