When a covey of California Quail (Callipepla californica) browse, a male will station himself on a high vantage point, to watch for danger. After a while, another quail will take his place so he has a chance to eat too. Here along Deer Path Trail, the high point was in a buckwheat plant, so the watch-quail could just dip his beak and browse in place, once he was relieved. Portola Valley Ranch, Deer Path Trail below the lone Valley Oak, 9/16/2023, 8:25 am. Near some browsing turkeys.