Great News for Ohio Bobwhites

Bobwhite Quail might be native to much of the country, but they haven't had an easy time lately. The problem is almost 100% habitat related. But there might me help from what many might consider an unlikely benefactor for small animals: roadways. There are several programs underway that should benefit Bobwhites and other upland animals with minimal impact.

Buckeye Sportsman Podcast Roadways Projects ODNR Pheasant Biologist Mark Wiley talks Pheasant hunting and Attorney Jack Moser discusses legal issues facing Ohio Outdoorsmen.
Listen:  http://buckeyesportsman.net/2015/12/dec-19-2016/ 


OHIO TAKES ACTION FOR BOBWHITE QUAIL WITH FIRST QUAIL FOCUS AREA IN HIGHLAND COUNTY Bobwhite quail—a native species, as well as a current species of concern in Ohio—have a brighter future in the state after a successful landowner meeting established Ohio’s first-ever quail focus area. Forty-two landowners attended the meeting, voting to name the 9,930-acre, 10-year focus area the Fallsville Quail Heritage Area. Quail habitat restoration will be the focus of the area, which is located in Highland County, just north of Hillsboro.
Read more: https://quailforever.org/Newsroom-(1)/2015-April/Ohio-Takes-Action-for-Bobwhite-Quail-with-First-Qu.aspx

Slow Motion Shorthair

Somehow managed to catch two chipmunks at the same time in a live trap. Jurgen was really interested in that ...

New Rural Action

Pick your site: coal pile or deer carcass? If you want to catch wildlife on video in a reclaimed area, it seems both can be a good draw. With some work.

From this article in the Columbus Dispatch:

"With a pH level of 4.5 when the cleanup started two decades ago, 'Monday Creek was comparable to vinegar,' Schlater said.

Aquatic wildlife has increased since then, from four fish species to 35 species today, including seven types of darters, and large-mouth, small-mouth and spotted bass. 'This shows that water quality is improving significantly,' Schlater said."

Timberdoodle Dancing

Peeenntt 

Nature's mysteries are all around us, and many don't know it. Consider the American Woodcock. It is widely distributed in the Midwest, but because it is often active at night and migratory, most have never seen one. However, late February through March in Ohio are the perfect time. This is when the males perform their courtship dance at dusk. Find an open area with successional brush and marshy or soft ground. Listen for a distinctive "peeentt" sound (you can hear it in the video below). Then watch for the bird to take flight, circling and climbing until it corkscrews back to earth.

 It's also, if you're interested, a great time to scout for these birds for the fall seasons. And a great excuse to get outside. You can even follow their migration live via satellite tags.