Picture of the day - January 22, 2009

"Christmas Quail"

Photo courtesy of Ron. E. Trees.             (Click the photo for a larger view) Today's picture features a very lucky (and quite beautiful) "Christmas Quail". It was photographed by frequent contributor Ron Trees, and the following is his story behind the image: "On Christmas day, this poor Quail hit one of our windows. I saw it hit and figured it was dead but went out to check. When I went outside, I saw it laying in the snow and it was not moving at all. I figured that it had broke its neck, but when I got real close, I could see it still breathing. I just barely nudged it and its head popped up. It was really pretty cool! It was pretty well stunned though and did not move much at all. My wife came out and gave it a bit of food and I took a few pictures. We went back in the house and checked later and it was gone. I do hope that it was ok. The detail in the feathers is just incredible. What an artist our Heavenly Father is! The camera used to capture this image was my Sony A700 and KM 28-75mm f2.8 lens."   --Ron Trees Please visit Ron's Smugmug gallery where you'll find lots more of his wonderful photographs.     Visitor Comments... Name: Phyllis Helton Town: Bristol, VA Amazing!!!     Name: Enrique Melendez Town: Miami, FL I have had birds fly into my windows in the past, and so far they have all managed to fly on their way.     Name: Robert Schwarztrauber Town: Buffalo, NY Ron, Excellent photo of that Quail! As you said, the detail in the feathers is just beautiful. Thanks also for sharing your other photos through the link. I always enjoy reading your comments praising the work of others who submit to TodaysPhoto.org, and now see that it comes from someone who's very deserving of praise as well. Great pics on your SmugMug...and additional thanks for the link to that cool Photoshop tutorial.     Name: James Diefenderfer Town: San Francisco, CA Beautiful photo and a wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing!     Name: Bonnie Frances Hamilton Town: Toledo, OH Today's picture brings back some wonderful childhood memories. My father used to raise quail on our family farm, and I always thought they were the most beautiful of all birds. It's been a long, long time since I last saw one of these magnificent creatures, and this picture is simply amazing.     Name: Barbara Arens Town: Medford, OR Excellent capture Mr. Trees. It looks like this little fellow is wearing a hat with a feather sticking out of it. How delightful!   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"