Backyard Guests

Our yard is somewhat of a bird smorgasbord due to how generous Sam is with the chicken feed.  Yesterday we were visited by a family of four hungry quail.  Quail and magpies are two birds I didn't see while growing up in Maine and consequently I'm utterly charmed by both of them.  Magpies seem so exotic with their long, sweeping tail feathers and high contrast coloring.  And who doesn't completely melt when they see a family of quail, top knots bobbing, all marching in a row?  I was so happy to see our guests and hope they come back soon.  I sprinkled some extra bird food just in case.