avatarAnne Bonfert

Summary

The article describes the author's experience observing a family of California Quail, particularly the father's exceptional parenting, which brings joy to the author during times of sadness or boredom.

Abstract

The author shares a personal narrative about a family of California Quail living on a vineyard where they stay. The story unfolds from the first sighting of the chicks without their mother to the realization of the father quail's remarkable care and vigilance. The chicks, unlike other bird species, are taught to forage for themselves under their father's guidance. The author finds immense pleasure and a source of comfort in watching these chicks grow and thrive, often seeking them out through the windows of their home for a quick smile and a dose of fun. This heartwarming account is a response to Sandi Parsons's "January Prompt" and is part of a series of writing prompt responses from various authors.

Opinions

  • The author expresses admiration for the California Quail father's parenting skills, describing him as "amazing" and "alert."
  • Watching the quail family is portrayed as a reliable source of joy and comfort for the author, especially during moments of low mood.
  • The author implies that the self-sufficiency of the quail chicks, who feed themselves, is both notable and endearing.
  • The article conveys a sense of wonder and privilege at being able to witness
Image taken by author and converted into a GIF

WRITING PROMPT RESPONSE

Mr. Quail Gets the Best Dad Award

January Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Fun”

Watching my favorite family is fun.

It’s been such a thrilling journey from spotting the little chicks for the first time, realizing no more mother belonged to this family, and then realizing what an amazing job this father was doing.

This family of California Quail lives on the vineyard where we stay and circles our little home almost daily. Escaping to the tall grass and hiding in the bushes whenever danger arrives, these chicks are lucky to have such an alert father as their parent.

While offspring of other birds sit in their nests waiting to get fed by their parents, the young quail chicks have to feed themselves picking for seeds wherever their parent takes them.

Since I spotted them for the first time, watching these chicks walk around became so much fun. Whenever I’m sad, upset, or bored, I walk up to either window in our home and spot them outside.

Seeing my favorite family outside makes me smile in the blink of an eye.

This is a writing prompt response to Sandi Parsons’s “January Prompt”.

Read below other writers and their fun prompt responses:

Krasi Shapkarova with “Having Fun — Rain or Shine”

Dennett with “Tinkerbell & Mi Nieta”

Warren Thurlow with “Sea Lions Just Want To Have Fun”

Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles with “The Day I Became An Elephant”

Join my email list here if you would like to read more photo essays.

Shutterstock | Instagram | YouTube | Mailchimp | Amazon | Redbubble

Nature
Outdoors
Photography
Birds
Monthly Challenge
Recommended from ReadMedium