Chris Bates
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One of the easiest birds to identify by their call alone is the Northern bobwhite. It’s two whistled notes that sound like: “bob-WHITE!” The call of what’s also known as Virginia quail or bobwhite quail is not only one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, but also is an extremely useful tool in estimating their populations. Every spring, biologists across the state conduct spring whistle count surveys. From June 10-30, counts will be conducted at sunrise along a 14-mile route with stops every mile. Observers listen for three minutes per stop and count how many quail are calling. There are 65 of these 14-mile routes across the state where DNR biologists will collect data to determine the locations of quail. Through the number of quail heard calling in one area, biologists determine the quality of habitat and/or how quail are responding to habitat management efforts. Interested in knowing how many quail live near you? Grab a notebook and a pen and spend an hour or two at sunrise listening for their beloved whistle at your local DNR property or on your own land. It’s a fun opportunity to connect with nature, and you might hear more than you think. |
