The Matador Wildlife Refuge completed its spring whistle counts last month, and the numbers are less than encouraging at just over two bobs call per stop, which is below the long-term average, according to their recent report.
Area weather has been exceptionally dry from late last summer through mid-May with very little spring greenup. Conditions were worse than 2011.
However, from the last week of May through the first full week of June, the area received 6.5” of much needed rainfall. Range conditions have improved dramatically.
Whether these improving range conditions are in time for any significant quail reproductive efforts, only time will tell. Their whistle count numbers did increase following these rainfall events.
Their roadside counts in August and September will tell the tale for the upcoming 2022–23 quail season.
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