Up until 10 years ago we would regularly see quail around our home which is located near Bow Park in Saanich.
At that time the roaming domestic cat population increased and all of the quail disappeared.
Quail chicks are easy prey for cats. Adult quail pair for life, so it is sad to see one calling for its missing mate. In the past week we have been thrilled to see two quail in our yard.
We hope they will make a comeback. I would ask that cat owners give the quail a chance by keeping their pets indoors. A less desirable solution is to put a bell on their cat’s collar, which may spare the adult quail.
Jeff St. Gelais
Saanich