It was magical meeting my California quail friends on our moving day. Ivory and I were back for a second summer of house-sitting on beautiful Vancouver Island, right at the water’s edge. The area was nothing short of paradise, with our own peaceful garden and an array of nature and wildlife all around.

Most of that day was a whirlwind of unpacking boxes and setting up my computer. By evening, I was exhausted, but it was a peaceful kind of tiredness, one that settled like a warm blanket over me in bed.

I dropped off to the hypnotic sound of waves on the sandy beach. It felt like only moments later when I pried open my still sleepy eyes. The bedroom was glowing cotton-candy pink. Dawn already?

Barely conscious, I listened, and there they were—the unmistakable sounds of California quails. My plump little bird friends were already foraging for breakfast in the garden. And, they were telling my lazy bones to rise and shine!

It only took. a few minutes to shake off the fog, throw on some clothes and dash out the door. I was determined not to waste even a moment with these adorable characters this summer.

When I joined them in the garden, my quail friends greeted me with uncharacteristic tranquility – the quails’ version of calm, anyway.  I felt that they remembered our previous encounters and didn’t mind sharing our “secret garden” again.

Unlike other birds who take to the skies, quails lead their lives primarily on the ground. Because of their grounded existence, nature molded them into masters of mindful awareness. They’re constantly tuned in to the world around them, whether it’s for the sake of safety, finding sustenance, or tending to their chicks. Every second in their world is a ‘be here, now’ moment, reminiscent of the teachings of Eckhart Tolle.

For my avian friends, the only moment that matters is the present one, the one unfolding right before them. They don’t dwell in the past, other than to learn from it. Unlike us, they don’t get entangled in the events of yesterday. Instead, they live fully immersed in their surroundings, utilizing every sense at their disposal.

One vigilant quail, attuned to the slightest threat from a watchful eagle or hawk, can send a ripple of alertness through the entire covey. “Alertness” is an understatement. “Spooked” is more apt. And, I’ve never seen anything disappear as fast as a bunch of spooked quails!

Then, as if nothing had happened, whether a false alarm or the danger retreats, the quails flow back onto the lawn, as calm as you please, as if nothing had happened.

Whether quails are foraging in the garden, resting on the lawn or strolling along the shoreline, the adults must have an astute awareness of where to seek refuge. And the young quickly learn the art of mindful awareness from their elders. They are drawn to the summer garden because, here, with the thick cedar ground cover, a good hiding place is never more than a fleeting moment away.

In the evening, when the quails migrate across the road to the estuary for the night, then on their subsequent morning return, the hyper-focused awareness of the male sentinels is evident. The remind me of diligent school crossing guards. They shepherd the quails quickly across, coaxing on the laggards. All they need is reflective traffic vests and a STOP paddle to complete the look.

These quails focus on potential perils, whether from passing vehicles, prowling cats, or predators from above. And, despite the dangerous nature of this open space, I have only once found a quail casualty on the road. The victim was a male, perhaps on guard duty, hit by a car.

How about if Popeye helps out with security duty? He lives next door and how better to get a higher view of your covey on their way to the beach than from Popeye’s cap? Careful, though. Popeye seems to be ready to swat the squatter on his head!

Okay, enough about Popeye. Let’s talk about some of the danger in the estuary area. This is a favorite hangout for eagles. They glide in circles on the breeze over the water. Eagles can see prey 3.2 km [2 miles] below! I expect you’re familiar with the term ‘eagle eye’.

But, then again, you can’t have an awesome beach adventure without some danger attached.

So, despite the numerous dangers, they’re thrilled for an afternoon at the beach and some vitamin sea. Especially when they find a yummy buffet of nutritious seeds and succulent insects, a change from their usual bugs and seeds in the garden. The covey sticks closely together on their beach tour. Occasionally, I follow along  near them and watch their behavior. I’m envious of their level of focus, but not of their preferences in cuisine.

When evening comes, they retrace their steps back to the estuary, with a watchful eye on any potential threats. The road isn’t their favorite space as we learned, so they quickly scuttle across or take to the air.

Once on the other side, they’re ready for their beds and a good night’s sleep. They cozy down amidst tall grass and dense thickets. The blackberry brambles and wild roses that thrive alongside the road and in the estuary form a formidable, prickly barrier—a “razor wire” that few predators dare to brave. My cherished quail companions are well aware that this natural fortification offers them protection and they can relax.

Have you ever felt a tingling sensation when someone enters a room? Or sensed a shift in mood without a word being spoken? Maybe tensed up walking past a person on the street? That’s the power of energy fields at work. In humans, this field surrounds our body about 9 feet in all directions, acting as a subtle yet powerful communicator of their emotional state. Just like humans, quails, possess an aura or energy field that surrounds them. To most of us, it’s invisible.

Energy fields in living things: Imagine these energy fields as bubbles encasing both you and quails. It’s like an invisible shield that reflects our inner thoughts, feelings, and emotions. When a quail is calm and content, its energy field emanates a sense of tranquility and peace. Conversely, in times of distress or danger, this energy field may become agitated or chaotic, signaling a need for caution or “fight or flight”.

There is a language of color related to energy. Much like the colors of a rainbow, these energy fields can vary in hue, each color carrying its own meaning. For instance, a vibrant green might signify vitality and health, while a murky gray could indicate fear or uncertainty. Quails, with their heightened awareness, are adept at reading these subtle shifts in energy, guiding them to navigate their environment with precision.

Can we tap into the Universal Energy? Yes, however, while we all possess the ability to sense these energy fields, it often lies dormant within us, overshadowed by the noise of everyday life. Our ancient ancestors possessed this skill. And, with practice and a calm, centered mind, we can relearn to tap into this universal energy and reconnect with the natural world. Much like tuning a radio to a specific frequency, it requires focus and intention to attune ourselves to the subtle vibrations of the world around us.

Quantum Entanglement Simplified: This is Einstein’s “spooky action at a distance”. At its core, this concept suggests that particles that have interacted before, and now no matter how far apart, are intrinsically linked, influencing each other instantaneously. Similarly, the interconnection of all living beings creates a web of energy that binds us together. Quails, with their acute awareness, are finely attuned to this web, allowing them to sense changes in their environment and respond accordingly.

In essence, by understanding the language of energy fields, we gain insight into the interconnection of all living things, including our feathered friends, the quails. So, the next time you find yourself in the presence of these remarkable creatures, take a moment to feel the energy that surrounds you. You might be surprised by what you discover.

Mindful awareness serves as the cornerstone of quails’ existence, permeating every facet of their lives. From safeguarding their families and fostering strong community bonds to navigating perilous environments with stealth and cunning, quails rely on their acute awareness of the energy vibrating around them to thrive in the wild.

Whether foraging for food, seeking shelter, or keeping watch for predators, their heightened senses and vigilance ensure their survival in a world fraught with dangers. Through their unwavering mindfulness, quails exemplify the profound impact that awareness can have on one’s ability to adapt, endure, and flourish in the face of adversity.

If you’re enjoying the stories about the quails, make sure to read the last of the three posts. You’ll learn about the various ways quails stay safe, and the one very special way that I participate in and just love! See you on the next post.