The Northern Bobwhite Pilot Project: The Greatest Effort to Save Bobwhite Quail in American History. You read the title correctly. It might be a mouthful, but the recently announced Working Lands For Wildlife (WLFW), Northern Bobwhite Pilot Project is the biggest endeavor for bobwhite quail in American history. Announced at the 2024 Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic by USDA Under Secretary Robert Bonnie, the project marks the largest concerted effort to restore bobwhite quail populations across 18 states. This is the first time national funds will be sent to states explicitly for bobwhite quail habitat. Specifically, this project earmarks $13 million for bobwhite habitat in 2024. This project is one part of a larger, 5-year effort to improve 7-million acres of bobwhite habitat. One historical obstacle with bobwhite conservation is that most bobwhite habitat occurs on private land. The Working Lands For Wildlife, Northern Bobwhite Pilot Project seeks to address that obstacle by incentivizing private landowners to participate in voluntary conservation practices that will benefit bobwhite quail. Get the full details on The Northern Bobwhite Pilot Project, at the link below. https://quailforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Quail-Forever/The-Northern-Bobwhite-Pilot-Project.aspx

A couple weeks ago, following a 13-hour markup, the House Committee on Agriculture voted to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. This represents a critical step in the process to complete a five-year farm bill, which is the single most important piece of legislation for conservation on private lands. The May 23 markup of Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s (R-PA) bill was the first major Congressional action to be taken since the 2018 Farm Bill expired and received a one-year extension last fall. The Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Government Affairs team has worked closely with Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA), and the members and staff of the House Ag Committee throughout the legislative process. While there is still a long way to go to get this bill across the finish line, we were encouraged to see many of our top policy priorities included in the House Farm Bill. So, what’s in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, and what would it mean for upland bird habitat and hunters? Find out by reading the full story at the link below.

Quail Fact Friday!💡 Just like strutting turkeys, male bobwhite quail put on an impressive display to attract a mate. Males showcase their best looks by fluffing their feathers, extending their wings, and turning their heads to display their distinctive patterns. They make short rushes towards the female and walk slowly around her with their tails fanned out and feathers fluffed. Competition can be fierce, with males often fighting other males to prove their dominance and attract a mate. This elaborate dance and rivalry also demonstrates the male’s fitness and readiness for the breeding season. #quailforever #quail #bobwhitequail #quailfactfriday

What did I take away most from my research? » First: bobwhite quail are way cooler than I initially thought. How a species that seems to have everything going against it manages to hang on year after year, singing their sweet song, is simply extraordinary. Furthermore, every day I spent around these birds, I was learning something new. Whether it was hearing new quail vocalizations, tracking quail that went on 3+ mile walkabouts, or monitoring one particular radio-collared quail (lovingly nicknamed “Waylon”) that lived to be one year old, only to be hit by a car … there wasn’t a day in the field where I wasn’t perplexed. » Second: Creating a patchwork landscape with different vegetation structures is essential for bobwhite habitat. Altering the timing of burns throughout the season can balance and maintain adequate roosting cover throughout the breeding season while also creating that mosaic and multi-structured landscape. » Third: As researchers, we haven’t yet determined the best way to count quail. Current research is looking at using audio recording units (ARUs) to record calls and technology, possibly with drones, to help to count birds. Statistical methods are also used to account for missed birds during surveys. If you want the most accurate population estimates, the best thing to do currently is conduct multiple surveys for at least 10 minutes throughout the breeding season, and multiple covey counts in fall. Surveying the same point, ideally three times for 10 minutes, will increase your chances of hearing a bird that is there. » Fourth: Productive agriculture and wildlife conservation are not mutually exclusive. We can improve these landscapes to support a whole host of wildlife, including pollinators, and of course, benefit the landowner and our beloved bobwhites. Read the entire story Discovering the Bobwhite: A Research Opportunity That Turns into a Passion for Quail by Olivia Lappin, IHM Rights of Way & Energy Coordinating Wildlife Biologist for QF, at the link below. https://quailforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Quail-Forever/Discovering-the-Bobwhite.aspx

Quail Forever (QF) is excited to introduce the new Kentucky state coordinator, Savannah Ricks. In her role, Ricks will drive Kentucky habitat programs, lead a talented team of field staff, and work closely with partners to ensure habitat conservation continues to be recognized as a critically important driver of abundant wildlife populations, sustainable agriculture, healthy soil, and clean water. “I’m excited to bring my passion for Quail Forever and the organization’s mission to my new position,” Ricks said. “I have fostered wonderful relationships with the biologist team and our partners here in Kentucky, and I hope to create a lasting impact on the quality and quantity of quail habitat throughout the state.” Learn more about Savannah and her new role at the link below. https://quailforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Quail-Forever/Savannah-Ricks-Hired-as-Kentucky-State-Coordinator-for-Quail-Forever.aspx

Podcast Ep. 266: Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Making the Map for Grasslands
A “behind the scenes” conversation about the creation of the Map for Grasslands.