As I write this blog, bobwhites are calling outside my office here at the Interlaken Wildlife Center. This morning I heard one right outside my apartment door and crept closer and closer toward the sound. When I got within about thirty yards, it stopped calling, presumably because it heard me and sensed danger. I stood still for about 30 seconds behind a bush, and, sure enough, a fat bobwhite cock bird began running across the yard. It was exciting to see it.
Matt Bonnette, Property and Wildlife Manager, and I speculate on whether the bird I saw and the others we hear are either wild birds or released survivors from last season. Both Matt and I lean toward the latter as more likely. But even if they are survivors from last season (some of you probably shot at them and missed!), they are thoroughly wild now. They have lived for more than six months out in the wild, fended for themselves, and outwitted the hawks, foxes, and other predators. If only these released birds could mate and raise chicks successfully, then we would have plenty of wild birds. But, alas, released female bobwhites lack the survival skills to teach their brood of chicks how to survive. They mate, lay, and hatch their eggs just fine. But then they have no idea what to do next.
We do occasionally see a group of wild bobwhite chicks on the property. So there are still a few wild birds. Since we manage the property for pen-raised quail, the habitat is perfect for wild birds, too. More and more of these will survive over time, and the population of wild birds should grow. So, hopefully, our hunter will occasionally see a wild covey in all its purity and wariness.
This summer we have been busy preparing for the coming hunting season. The property is in great shape thanks to the work of Matt Bonnette, his summer employees, and the apprentices from the South Carolina Waterfowl Association who work here. Dove season is just around the corner. We have sold two hunts to corporate clients and we are having a youth dove hunt in partnership with SCDNR’s Take One, Make One Youth Hunting Program.
So there is a lot happening at the Interlaken Wildlife Center, and we hope you visit soon. The bobwhites are calling your name.
Richard Rankin
Interlaken Wildlife Center Director
