![san mateo caqu_0848](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4132/5109848311_a110a9c54a_z.jpg)
Coyote bush is great stuff, but hard to work into the lyrics of a carol.
California partridges make do sans fruit trees as best they can.
![caqu_0208](https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6148/5940208436_626d28f73c_z.jpg)
Yup, you might be able to tell that I'm behind schedule again. This is my first year as a real compiler for our Christmas Count, and wouldn't you know it - our signups are about 50% higher than last year. Putting together assignments is taking way longer than planned!
![caqu_6024](https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6134/5940208976_053b656086_z.jpg)
And so, in the holiday spirit, some local partridges strut their stuff...
![DSC_0041](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6782037777_6a986bd7c2_z.jpg)
I love the elaborate and intricate plumage of Cal Quail. The female has more subtle coloration, but it's still finely detailed.
![8 1107_0734 caqu](https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6122/5939652253_1d3e8689a7_z.jpg)
Not looking nearly this dry these days.
![caqu_1150](https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6010/5939651515_f4f72cf0b4_z.jpg)
The Cowboy Quail, a less-common subspecies.
![caqu_6047](https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6026/5940207480_4cacb7c2fc_z.jpg)
A pleasingly plump little bird.
![caqu](https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6138/5939651837_06ff025034_z.jpg)
I'll see if I can't add a bit of actual content to this today...
And remember to sign up for your local Christmas Count if you haven't done so already.