Bobwhite Pic

[30-30]

I took this pic a few weeks ago on the Attwater refuge southwest of Sealy. I came across the pic today on my phone and it spoke to me, so I figured I would share it with y'all.

After dealing with some family issues these past two days, I have been thinking a great deal about the ups and downs of life. Despite the occasional roadblock/detour, life goes on. It's up to us to keep going and trust that God has His plan for our lives.

"Never stop running" is what came to mind when I came across this pic today.

I'm taking a week to spend time with Mom and Dad and will return to the bobwhite research soon. We are seeing a good crop of both quail chicks and protein-rich insects for them to eat. My grad advisor/boss calls the little chicks "bumblebees."

[BBReezen]

I've gotten to where I really don't care to even shoot a quail. I'd rather sit and watch them. Some of the goofiest acting critters that will hang out under a feeder.

[Ouch]

Sadly, I killed more quail before my 16th birthday than I've killed since. I'm 38.

Nice pic. I hope to see more of them.

[trophy8]

Sadly, I killed more quail before my 16th birthday than I've killed since. I'm 38.

Nice pic. I hope to see more of them.

West Texas used to be loaded with quail. We could have a limit of quail very very quickly when i was growing up. And im not that old. Now you dont see even a quarter of what used to be around. They seem to be making a comeback but slowly. Its sad. I sure loved watching a good dog work a covey of quail. I need to find a good quail hunt somwhere soon!!

[GulfCoastRaider]

^^^ I agree, fire ants, predators, droughts, or whatever, I'm not smart enough to understand why they declined in West Texas, but we definitely witnessed it. Those dang running Blue's were always my nemesis growing up.

One of my best friends owns the land (rice and cattle operation) to the east of the refuge, across the San Bernard, always really good duck and goose hunting, but it always felt a little bit like cheating being so close to the refuge that provided a good portion of their roosting/safe area... Maybe I think too much or don't know enough!

Cool pic and caption/thoughts. Thanks for providing the opportunity for continued recovery to the Bob White and other birds.

[AntlerCollector]

Every time I see quail my next thought is bacon

[12 point]

It has been several years since seeing any in my area. When I was a kid, it was always great to hear them in the mornings.

[macoop]

I've heard them a lot this year. I hope they can hang on and make a comeback. I haven't shot one in a lot of years.

[Ouch]

My grandfather bought a little place in Smith County in 1960, b/c when he walked the place with the previous owner, he jumped 3 covey. He later discovered there were 5-6 resident covey of birds on the place. Up until I was 12 or 13, we could go down there and kill enough for dinner any time we wanted. The family still owns the place, but there's nary a quail bird around here anymore.

[Smart]

Great pic.....I love to watch quail as well. It helps pass the deer less times but unfortunately I have only been able to watch them at other folks places..

However, we were out in mid July filling feeders and we heard quail at every set and every morning at camp. It was incredible. This is year 7 on the place and I can count on one hand the number of quail "bobwhite" calls I have heard so it sounds like they have made a good turnaround with the last two years of good rain..

[Shooter]

Nice pic.

I've been seeing decent numbers in the Sealy area this year.

[RascalArms]

Great pic.....I love to watch quail as well. It helps pass the deer less times but unfortunately I have only been able to watch them at other folks places..

However, we were out in mid July filling feeders and we heard quail at every set and every morning at camp. It was incredible. This is year 7 on the place and I can count on one hand the number of quail "bobwhite" calls I have heard so it sounds like they have made a good turnaround with the last two years of good rain..

Same exact thing for me Jason. They had all but disappeared in West Tx but we heard more Whites this past weekend than I can remember in quite awhile. The rains have done it. Lots of good cover for them right now.

I sure miss seeing the Blues though. I probably "killed" more blues before my 25th birthday than I have even "seen" since.