Peggy and I visited the historic Pierce Ranch during our recent two week stay at Point Reyes National Seashore. We didn’t go to see the quail, but there they were, everywhere. This one, wearing his ‘red cap with white trim, white beard, bushy eye brows, and big belly,’ reminded me of someone. A certain Mr. Claus perhaps? But what about the jaunty feather in his cap? Actually, it is six overlapping feathers.
Anyone visiting Pt. Reyes National Seashore should visit the historic Pierce Ranch. It provides an excellent introduction to the dairy industry that started in the mid-1800s and still exists within the National Seashore boundaries today. Local ranchers worked together with the Sierra Club in the 1960s and 70s to preserve their ranches and avoid the onslaught of real estate speculators and developers who envisioned turning the beautiful area into massive profits for themselves and great homes for the few that could afford them— instead of one of the world’s premier national parks for everyone.
There is more to the ranch than history, however. For one, there is a tule elk reserve in the area. Having been eliminated from the region during the 1800s, they were reintroduced in 1978 and now constitute a sizable herd. A trip out to the ranch doesn’t guarantee you will see these magnificent creatures but the odds are you will. A short— or longer— hike out the Tomales Point Trail will increase your chances even more. Gorgeous scenery, wild flowers galore, birds and other wildlife are three more excellent reasons for a visit.
We actually went out twice on our visit: The first time was with our friends Tom Lovering and Lita Campbell, the second by ourselves. We didn’t need any excuse to go a second time, but the fact we had forgotten to bring our cameras except for an iPhone the first time was certainly a factor. We’ve become spoiled. Our photos are from both trips, however. Even Tom jumped in with his iPhone.
Quail eat a variety of plants and insects but seeds are always high on their list. This California quail is searching for them along the Tomales Point Trail.He stopped to check out a small stick.The wind added an interesting look to the quail as it came down the trail toward us.A feather dancer, perhaps. This is the time of the year when quail pair up. The hen, who had been searching for food in the grass, joined her mate. This shot provides a good view of the contrast between the male and female. Both are attractive. Soon they will have a clutch of eggs that can number up to the high 20s. It will be well hidden in the grass. When the babies hatch, it becomes the male’s job to serve as a guard. I’ve often watched one perched in a location that provides a view of the surrounding area. A quick call sends mom and babies into hiding when a threat appears. The chicks get “Freeze!” I once came on a group in the Marble Mountains of Northern California that had ‘froze’ on the trail in a tight little circle. While I was grabbing my camera, Mom realized her mistake and called “Run!” Boy, did they. In every direction.Meanwhile, back at the ranch (so to speak), a covey of quail had gathered. Except during mating season, this is the preferred lifestyle for quail. When frightened their first reaction is to run. They are fast! The next step is to zoom out. The sound that their wings makes is very distinctive, as is their calls. Once you have heard either, it is easy to remember.We discovered, when we hiked out the Tomales Point Trail, that we had hit the height of flower season. Three of the most common are shown here: Yellow and pink mustard, hairy gum plant (Grindelia hirsutula), and cow parsnip.It’s hard to travel anywhere in the US without encountering mustard. It comes in a variety of colors from white to yellow to blue to purple. While I don’t find the individual flowers particularly attractive compared to many others, a field of mustard can brighten up one’s day. Not so a dairy farmer’s, however. The plant is mildly poisonous to cattle. It can also give a bad taste to milk, cream, butter and, I assume, cheese. On the other hand, its tiny seeds produce mustard.Hairy gum plant hardly seemed the appropriate name for these cheerful yellow daisies.The real surprise to me, however, were the cow parsnips. The cow parsnip is a fairly common plant, a giant member of the carrot family. I’ve always admired them for their size, but I’ve never thought of them as particularly beautiful, until this trip.Nor have I ever noticed how they come wrapped up as young plants.Part of this cow parsnip is in bloom, while other parts are in the budding stage.Budding and blooming are combined here. In full bloom. While quite pretty and presumably edible (if you know what you are doing), I would neither pick this flower for a bouquet nor eat it. Sap from the stems is known to be phototoxic. If you get some on your skin, sunshine can turn it into a severe rash. While I was focusing on flowers, Peggy was capturing some of the impressive scenery. This is looking out toward Tomales Point. The Pacific Ocean is on this side of the peninsula. Tomales Bay is on the other. The Bodega Bay Headlands can be seen in the distance. Sea stacks that tower above McClure Beach. I really like the contrast here between the ocean and the grass with the massive rocks providing separation between the two. Here, Peggy caught the iconic cypress trees at the start of the Tomales Point Trail at Pierce Ranch.Tree tops.I took this photo because I was enamored with the rooftops. The large building once served as the dairy barn. The other buildings served a variety of purposes ranging from bunkhouses to where the butter was made. More cypress provide a backdrop for the barn.Tom and Lita were with us on our first trip out to the Pierce Ranch. The skies were threatening rain. Tom was rather taken with this single cypress tree that was peaking over the dairy barn and set off by stormy skies. I thought his capture of the barn was quite good as well. I amused myself inside by taking a photo out of one of the windows. Modern art?This might seem like a strange thing to throw into the middle of a blog on Point Reyes but Tom wouldn’t stop talking about it. I’ve know Tom in a great number of capacities during the 50 years we have been hanging out together, but somehow, I never imagined him as someone who would create a powerful, battery operated blender that you can take anywhere. Thus the name: All Terrain Blender. He designed it with outdoor activities and tailgaters in mind, but it turns out it will make an excellent addition to our RV or any area with confined space from apartments to small houses. (The top and the bottom can be flipped and fitted together for storage!) The product is now in its final stages of development. Market studies suggest that it will be very successful. It’s hard to say how successful, but one thing I know about Tom is that he will use a substantial part of any profits he makes to support good causes. That’s what he has been doing all of his life.Way off in the distance, you can see a tiny figure. That’s me, searching for elk. When we visited the ranch with Tom and Lita, the elk were hanging out beside the road and our only camera was our iPhone. When we came back with our good cameras, they were off in the far distance. Go figure. Peggy decided to stay in the truck while I went on my search.I actually found one. Its response was, “What in the heck are you doing here?” And then immediately ran off.This horse wasn’t likely to run off anywhere. We found him at a ranch on our way back to camp after visiting Pierce Point Ranch. Tom snapped its photo. Have you ever see such a swayback? That’s it for today. Our next post will wrap up our Point Reyes visit with a trip out to the lighthouse, a walk on the Earthquake Trail, and a hike to Tomales Bay.
One of my favorite birds, Ingrid. I grew up with them in the foothills of the Sierras.
We had a pair raise their babies on our property when we were living In Oregon. The male would do guard duty on the railing of our porch!
And ‘cute’ is a great description of the babies. Glad you have them in your yard.
I’ve had that quail experience on a trail too: freeze then scatter. I just love quail and enjoyed all of your photos of them. I liked the several artistic photos in this series from all of you, and would have responded the same to the surprisingly pretty cow parsnips.
On occasion, Crystal, I’ve wandered off the trail to see where the babies are hiding. Mom will fly out to distract me— after I have been seriously scolded. And the babies are ever so well hidden!
Hello Travelers! First thing I thought about when I saw the sweet pictures of the quail is having dinner at my grandparents and realizing that I was eating one of those sweet birds! My grandpa liked to hunt so sometimes there would be venison or rabbit also. I would not eat the delightful critters! And the cow parsnip reminded me of days in the meadow at the grandparents! Such wonderful pictures! Thank you and I know you are enjoying the travel!
Hi, Wendy. I ate a few quail, and rabbits, and squirrels, and deer in my youth— I confess. And was rather fond of my Mother’s squirrel and dumpling stew. No more, however. I gave up hunting in my 20s.
Thanks on the photos. Glad they brought back fun memories.
Wow, NEVER have I seen a qual do the feather dance before Curt. What an amazing capture my friend. Maybe she was after you .. Peggy might be jealous. lol.
Great shots all the way around and happy you’re having sure a great time💕
It was a boy quail, Cindy. Grin. Maybe he was after Peggy. Or me… Thanks, we are indeed having a great time. Today we have made it to Redwoods National Park for the week.
Great post of a gorgeous destination ‘in our backyard’, Curt. I love the feather dancer, a field of mustard is so beautiful, but I’ll stay away from the cow parsnips, even though they really are lovely in full bloom. Your modern art photo is great, and I’ve never seen a swayed back horse before. Glad you had a good time! I felt like I was there!
“I felt like I was there!” Then my objective was met, Lauren. Grin. It’s an incredibly beautiful area. I’d love to have it in my backyard! I’m jealous.
It was certainly the most swayed back horse I have ever seen! And the ‘modern art’ photo was just plain fun. Thanks.
We have a lot of Gambel’s Quail in Arizona. They are fun to watch when they cross the road in front of your cart or car. They run – their little legs go so fast. I always expect them to fly out of the way but they rarely do!
I learned something interesting: California has three native quail species, while Texas has four. On the other hand, the only species the states have in common is the Gambel’s quail. They’re such appealing birds. I’ve seen quail at the Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge a couple of times, and it was fun to see an adult (probably a mother) crossing the road with a line of little ones trailing behind.
That sway-backed horse is something. I’ve known the phrase forever, but I guess I’ve never actually seen a horse sagging in the middle like that. Goodness!
That was one heck of a sway, Linda. I’ve seen them before but never one with that much of a sway!
Our property in Oregon had two: One was a California quail and the other was a mountain quail.
Probably was a mom. The babies tend to stick with Mom while Dad will be nearby on guard duty. They apparently take their duty very seriously!
Wandering through Time and Place 
Thanks for the pictures! Peggy needs a green rain jacket.
She likes to stand out, Steve. Grin.
Love the quail. We have them running around our yard all the time … recently with a bunch of babies. So cute!
One of my favorite birds, Ingrid. I grew up with them in the foothills of the Sierras.
We had a pair raise their babies on our property when we were living In Oregon. The male would do guard duty on the railing of our porch!
And ‘cute’ is a great description of the babies. Glad you have them in your yard.
I’ve had that quail experience on a trail too: freeze then scatter. I just love quail and enjoyed all of your photos of them. I liked the several artistic photos in this series from all of you, and would have responded the same to the surprisingly pretty cow parsnips.
On occasion, Crystal, I’ve wandered off the trail to see where the babies are hiding. Mom will fly out to distract me— after I have been seriously scolded. And the babies are ever so well hidden!
Hello Travelers! First thing I thought about when I saw the sweet pictures of the quail is having dinner at my grandparents and realizing that I was eating one of those sweet birds! My grandpa liked to hunt so sometimes there would be venison or rabbit also. I would not eat the delightful critters! And the cow parsnip reminded me of days in the meadow at the grandparents! Such wonderful pictures! Thank you and I know you are enjoying the travel!
Hi, Wendy. I ate a few quail, and rabbits, and squirrels, and deer in my youth— I confess. And was rather fond of my Mother’s squirrel and dumpling stew. No more, however. I gave up hunting in my 20s.
Thanks on the photos. Glad they brought back fun memories.
Love the quail pics. The ATB came as a surprise, but we were talking about just such a thing yesterday.
It’s been such a part of Tom’s life, I had to add it, Peggy.
Wow, NEVER have I seen a qual do the feather dance before Curt. What an amazing capture my friend. Maybe she was after you .. Peggy might be jealous. lol.
Great shots all the way around and happy you’re having sure a great time💕
It was a boy quail, Cindy. Grin. Maybe he was after Peggy. Or me… Thanks, we are indeed having a great time. Today we have made it to Redwoods National Park for the week.
Strutting his stuff!! Careful!! Oh so great. More news I’ll be waiting for-:)
LOL!
Can’t decide what is more beautiful – the flowers or Peggy’s signature smile. Thank you both for sharing the beauties!
Peggy gave me one of those smiles when I read your comments. Grin. Thanks.
You are welcome, you lucky man!
😀
Great post of a gorgeous destination ‘in our backyard’, Curt. I love the feather dancer, a field of mustard is so beautiful, but I’ll stay away from the cow parsnips, even though they really are lovely in full bloom. Your modern art photo is great, and I’ve never seen a swayed back horse before. Glad you had a good time! I felt like I was there!
“I felt like I was there!” Then my objective was met, Lauren. Grin. It’s an incredibly beautiful area. I’d love to have it in my backyard! I’m jealous.
It was certainly the most swayed back horse I have ever seen! And the ‘modern art’ photo was just plain fun. Thanks.
We have a lot of Gambel’s Quail in Arizona. They are fun to watch when they cross the road in front of your cart or car. They run – their little legs go so fast. I always expect them to fly out of the way but they rarely do!
Flying is a last option. Grin. And then only as far as it takes them to feel safe. Often perched in dense brush.
I learned something interesting: California has three native quail species, while Texas has four. On the other hand, the only species the states have in common is the Gambel’s quail. They’re such appealing birds. I’ve seen quail at the Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge a couple of times, and it was fun to see an adult (probably a mother) crossing the road with a line of little ones trailing behind.
That sway-backed horse is something. I’ve known the phrase forever, but I guess I’ve never actually seen a horse sagging in the middle like that. Goodness!
That was one heck of a sway, Linda. I’ve seen them before but never one with that much of a sway!
Our property in Oregon had two: One was a California quail and the other was a mountain quail.
Probably was a mom. The babies tend to stick with Mom while Dad will be nearby on guard duty. They apparently take their duty very seriously!
The Pacific coast never fails to offer amazing scenery, lovely!
So true, Christie!
The scenery is indeed impressive, and the quail delightful. Looks like a lovely time.
Alison
Always, Alison. Thanks. Curt
Your in my end of the world! 😉
And a great end of the world it is!