Columnist Barb Henderson: Dark clouds are a quail’s best friend

Barb Henderson

Friday, Feb. 28, 2003 | 9:48 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

It's wonderful to have dark storm clouds floating above. Let it rain.

San Stiver, Nevada Division of Wildlife's Staff Biologist, says precipitation is important for upland gamebirds this time of year.

"Winter precipitation is critical for reproduction in chukars and Gambel's quail," Stiver said. "Chemicals in the plants stimulate the reproductive organs in both males and females. In the spring following wet winters, these birds lay more eggs, larger eggs, and produce healthier chicks."

Upland gamebirds have an annual mortality rate ranging from 65 percent to 80 percent. That means that for every 1,000 quail, only 200 will be alive the following year.

The population will consist of those 200 adult birds plus the chicks they produced. If there is poor production caused by a drought or other factors, the population declines. In a severe drought, such as the one in Southern Nevada last year, there might only be an additional 100 chicks, resulting in a population of 300 birds in an area where there were perhaps 1,000 the previous year.

Precipitation can be crucial for gamebirds that rely on desert annuals. During dry years, the plants don't germinate and in wet years, the vegetation goes wild.

Adult birds can handle a lot of precipitation during the winter. However, when chicks are hatching in the spring, too much rainfall at once can create a problem. If the chicks get wet they can die from hypothermia, disease or starvation, depending upon the duration and timing of the rainfall.

The amount of rain we've received so far should fill up all of the small guzzlers in the southern area. These constructed water resources should stay nearly full into the summer. However, for the water supply to last through our hot, sizzling months we'll need more rain in summer.

Stiver said this year's bird population in the south should be fair to good. The base population of adult birds is relatively low. Good to excellent production will bring the populations up to average or above average numbers by fall.

Later this year, while you're enjoying the great outdoors, listen for that distinctive call from a covey of quail.

Briefs

Until next week, enjoy the great outdoors!