Heat 1/ 2 Cup olive oil in a large skillet. Season quail with salt and pepper and place in pan. Brown quail on both sides about 4 to 5 minutes each. When they are golden brown, remove pan from stovetop and place into preheated oven at 350 degrees for approximately 8 to10 minutes.
Heat 1 /4 cup olive oil in a medium sized skillet over medium heat. Sauté shallots for about 1 minute. Add garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes. Sauté about 1 more minute. Add roasted red bell peppers and parsley. Stir and remove from heat. Puree in a blender or kitchen processor. Season with salt and pepper.
Remove quail from oven. Serve over a bed of watercress accompanied by the roasted pepper puree.