Stand Off

We were watching a few families of quail in the garden, with their grown up young ones. probably about 15 in all when a rabbit appeared. They didn't take much notice of each other then suddenly the rabbit sat upright on its haunches and they all stood still for alomost two minutes. Long enough for me to get my camera and take a few shots. Then suddenly the rabbit ran off and the quail went on their way.
I've no idea what it was all about.