Fannin County Completes First Quail Count

On May 10^th, the first known quail count in Fannin County took place.  There are still quail in Fannin County.  Actually there are some pretty good numbers in some areas.  There were different groups of people (landowners, Blackland Master Naturalist) stationed at 18 different locations throughout the county.  Each team traveled along a five mile route and made a total of six stops.  At each stop, the team listened for five minutes and recorded the number of quail heard calling.  In order to participate in the count, everyone was required to attend an orientation that took place on the evening of May 9^th.  Those who were unable to make that orientation met at McDonald’s the next morning.  The count organizers were Randy Moore- District Conservationist/Wildlife Biologist, Reagan White-Regulatory Wildlife Biologist, and Breanna Irvin-Bobwhite Brigade Special Agent.  We are very pleased with how the count was conducted and the results.  All results were sent to Dr. Dale Rollins, a leading quail specialist in Texas, for his Trans-Texas Quail Count.   Results will be matched with other counties to determine our quail standing in the State.

If nothing else we have had an effect on people’s awareness of quail in Fannin County.  Since our count, many have called in to let us know they have seen quail on their property.  Our count was conducted in a two hour window which may not be the most accurate method of counting.  It was cloudy that morning and a little windy.  These factors may have limited our results.  What the count does is establish a base for what we do know.  Counts in the future will add to this one and we will get a pretty good grasp of where we are with quail numbers.

Thanks to all who participated.  We could not have done this without your help.