We have done a lot of environmental projects at Harrison Bay over the years but our Bobwhite Quail Restoration project has turned out to be one of the most fun, and it culminated today in the release of the chicks from their brooding chamber. The project started back in April and you can review its beginning here Southern Bobwhite Quail Restoration project. We have had the chicks for 36 days and they have been in the brooding chamber for the past 24 days. Today they were released to fly free.
The chicks started out about the size of a golf ball, if that, and have grown considerably in size over these last 36 days. They have gained about four to five times their size and have grown in their flight feathers so it was time to let them loose into their new environment. Our project started with 125 Bobwhite quail chicks and as of today 86 have survived and are thriving. According to Bill the survival rate of most quail clutches is between 12-15% so our 68.8% survival rate is incredible.
Here is a video (turn on your volume) we put together of the
Bobwhite Quail Restoration Project at The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay.
(Videos are courtesy of Willie Hamby. Photos by Paul Carter)
The release party was one of the coolest things I have experienced in quite some time. To see the quail chicks take flight and/or strut around in the native grass areas was entertaining, inspiring, and gave us all a sense of satisfaction that the project had turned out so successful.
The project is far from over and we have more in store but it makes me think back to a classic episode of The Andy Griffith Show "Opie the Birdman" (Season 4, Episode 1) and a saying comes to mind.
The box seems sort of empty now...
but don't the fields sound nice and full.
Again we can't thank Bill Greene enough for his dedication and passion for our environmental programs. The Bobwhite quail restoration project has been fun to implement. We are proud to have a golf course with the natural habitat specially suited for these birds and we can't wait to watch them grow up and begin raising their own families on the course. This group of birds should lay their first clutch of eggs toward the middle of July and will hopefully over the years cover the course.
If you are interested in introducing Bobwhite quail onto your golf course and if we can help in any way please contact us and we will be happy to put you in touch with the quail breeder, let you borrow the brooding chamber, or answer any questions we can.
Welcome to The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay
Mr. and Mrs. Bobwhite Quail.
We hope you enjoy your new home for many years to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment