Birdadvocate
In the Brooder
- Apr 21, 2024
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We just had a vicious storm in Scottsdale, AZ. Our property is home to hundreds of Gambel Quail.
One's nesting cover was just ripped off by the vicious wind. We've lived here 30 years & worst wind storm in memory.
She has 7 eggs and bravely weathered the storm to continue to incubate her 7 eggs.
She's only in first week and has 2 weeks to go before hatching.
Now she & her nest are exposed to predators and boiling hot
sun and weather. We have owls, hawks & bobcats on constant look out.
If you respond "predators gotta eat to" you'll be permanently
How can we add cover w/o frightening her off her brood?
We're prepared to encubate eggs if she abandons but don't want her to abandon.
We're skilled/trained/experienced at encubate, hatch, brood & release but that's a lot of work.
Could also drop off at the Wildlife Center but we like to keep covey local.
Do Gambel in wild leave their nest during day wherein we might be able to return some of the cover?
If so how long and how far do they wander?
Ideas on adding cover w/o frightening her off will be much appreciated.
It's dark now but tomorrow I'll try to add photos of our dilemma.
One's nesting cover was just ripped off by the vicious wind. We've lived here 30 years & worst wind storm in memory.
She has 7 eggs and bravely weathered the storm to continue to incubate her 7 eggs.
She's only in first week and has 2 weeks to go before hatching.
Now she & her nest are exposed to predators and boiling hot

If you respond "predators gotta eat to" you'll be permanently

How can we add cover w/o frightening her off her brood?
We're prepared to encubate eggs if she abandons but don't want her to abandon.
We're skilled/trained/experienced at encubate, hatch, brood & release but that's a lot of work.
Could also drop off at the Wildlife Center but we like to keep covey local.
Do Gambel in wild leave their nest during day wherein we might be able to return some of the cover?
If so how long and how far do they wander?
Ideas on adding cover w/o frightening her off will be much appreciated.
It's dark now but tomorrow I'll try to add photos of our dilemma.