Northern bobwhite quail populations have drastically declined on the Delmarva Peninsula over the last 60 years due to habitat loss, and there are many thoughts and theories on best practices to help restore the population. Restoration efforts like those by Delaware Wild Lands are showing positive results.
Northern bobwhite are social birds, typically found in coveys of three to 20 individuals. Each fall, DWL staff and volunteers conduct covey call surveys throughout the nonprofit’s Taylors Bridge Complex to monitor the population and get an idea of which habitats the birds are using.
DWL focuses on creating early successional habitats with native grass, forb and shrub fields that provide essential food, nesting and winter cover. Native beneficial species planted include partridge pea, little bluestem and eastern red cedar. In partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Fish & Wildlife, DWL manages hundreds of acres of early successional habitat in southern New Castle County…