Familiarity

Most will leave
Some will stay
To find their life
Alive but gray

It is the season where we find multiple coveys of quail wandering the property. Some bring their babies and we really do enjoy that. In this instance, we find a pair that still has a couple of males hanging around the breeding pair. During their feeding, the dominant male exercises his authority against the birds that are still around. He shoos away the birds from his female mate to ensure she has access to the food supply.
Later this year, they will discontinue coming around. I have found large coveys on my walks even though they are not present any more on the property. At some point, they seem to bust up and go on their own to mate and make babies. The need for a constant source of food draws them to the feeder.
They tolerate us during this time. As long as we make no sudden moves or sounds, they go about their business.