Tragedy at the bird feeder.

Tragedy at the bird feeder.  Mom and Dad quail arrived yesterday morning with their covey of 8 to 10 chicks.  We have watched them grow for two months now.  We feed them every day.  It is nice to see them.  What a beautiful family.  

Yesterday...  

  

Yesterday morning, a neighbor told me. A hawk came out of the trees and snatched a chick. 

This afternoon, the dad came back.  He stood on a rock, scouting the security of the yard.  

Later, as I went to check the mail, I saw the mom and a few chicks cross the street.  Mom was looking back, as if wondering, where is…?  And, I thought to myself, did the chick have a name?  What name did Mom use?

Will she always look back for her chick,
wondering?  

David Normand
Aug. 7, 2019