While not a blizzard aficionado, I must admit that there is a certain splendor of a new fallen snow in the woods.  Today marks the fourth major snowstorm for South Jersey this winter.  Between writings I gaze out my window that overlooks the lake and take in a spectacular panorama of snow laden trees bordering the frozen water.  Yes, it truly is an awesome scene one reminiscent of a greeting card from a winter holiday.  It’ is easy for me to enjoy and appreciate this natural winter time spectacle since I am inside looking out and surrounded by all the creature comforts one could desire.  This scenario however is dramatically different for New Jersey’s wild bobwhite quail population.

True, bobwhite quail are not the only wildlife that suffers the ravages of an extremely harsh winter as severe winter conditions strain many wildlife species as well.  What makes the plight of Colinus Virginianus, the Northern bobwhite quail so profoundly important is the number of these birds that remain in New Jersey.  Wild bobwhite numbers have declined at such an alarming rate (82% since 1967) that the very existence of this King of Gamebirds to continue in the future is in question.  With a remaining population estimated at around 3500 birds statewide the odds of a bright future for bobwhite are low if we don’t take decisive action at once.  It has been proven that bobwhite quail experience an 80% mortality rate annually.  Despite this high number, wild bobwhite experiencing good population levels are able to sustain themselves with good hatches and brood rearing success when conditions are favorable at nesting time.

The conditions include primarily good habitat that offers adequate nesting, protection from predators and the elements and supports good insect populations vital to providing a high protein food source required by hatchling and juvenile quail.  Secondly, good weather conditions that aren’t excessively wet and cold help improve chick survival since chicks are fragile and exposure to wet and cold conditions can have deadly results in less than an hour.

It is a tough life for “Bob” when conditions and numbers are good; however, as I look out the window and watch the snow and wind driven freezing rain and sleet once again I can only wonder what toll this is taking on South Jersey’s limited quail population estimated in the fall of 2008 at a mere 3500.  Factor in a normal 80% mortality rate and winter weather conditions that increase winter mortality substantially and what is the end result?

What can we expect to find remaining as survivors in the spring?  The NJ Quail Project has been working at a feverously high pitch since 2007.  Members have been conducting information, education and outreach programs and implementing habitat projects at a fast pace.  Despite these noble efforts and acts, many have ignored our request for financial support.  Yes, there have been a good number of supporters and to you, we at NJQP are most grateful and through your generosity, we have been able to accomplish good things.   However, many still remain including many NJ sportsmen and women who have turned a deaf ear to a most increasingly dire situation.

It is my opinion that we have arrived at a crossroad and are now standing on the brink of what amounts to an unnatural extinction.  Myself, the members of the NJQP and our partners are working diligently to save this most precious species.  Unfortunately, we cannot be effective without your financial support.  We realize that economics currently are tough, but the economy will recover.  Unlike the economy, the few remaining wild bobwhite that remain will be lost forever and have no hope of recovery much less sustainability without your help.  We are not asking for large amounts of donations from each of you, but in a state that boasts a total of some 750,000 sportsmen and women, if each one donated one-dollar, no one would go broke and NJQP could expand our efforts to save an entire species in New Jersey.

I would remind you the NJQP is made up totally of volunteers, no one is paid, and every cent we receive goes into our work which is exclusively in New Jersey, not to a national organization for use in another state.  Our mission is New Jersey and only here in New Jersey.  I would encourage everyone with an interest in saving New Jersey’s wild bobwhite quail to support the NJ Quail Project with a donation of any amount big or small.  Donations can be made on the website – www.NJQuailProject.org or by mailing your check to NJ Quail Project, PO Box 56, Waretown, NJ 08758.

Visit us on the website and be part of something BIG, do something for a little bird.