While working in the garage I heard some quail calling outside...
I didn't think much of it but ended up going around back about an hour later to see where it was coming from and there were two concerned quail parents standing on the roof and by the window well, still calling an hour later. The photo isn't the best quality because I didn't want to get too close and scare the mom just for a picture.
I waited a half hour for my girlfriend to come see and two more chicks had fallen in by then! They all got stuck together. It was adorable. I thought at first they were nesting but the parents seemed concerned, and there was no way they could get out on their own or with the parents help. When Lex arrived we pulled the babies out and one after another they ran off into the wood pile. Some of them didn't want to leave after we cuddled them a little 馃槅 The parents ended up rounding them up and taking them somewhere else a little while later. Hopefully they've learned not to get stuck in window wells!
Later while thinking about how long the parents called out for help I wondered if they actually expected to be helped by another animal, or had any idea of that outcome. I've seen videos of geese feeding koi fish, whales saving lost fisherman, etc... and it seems there is an innate urge in all mammals, when they're doing well and not suffering, to help other living creatures in a panic. The birds just sat and called for help like the last man on earth praying to be saved by whatever forces are out there out of pure desperation. Just playing the odds as a last ditch effort. It was amazing to me.
@fractalobserver