Drought Helps Bobwhites And Other Birds

While this summer’s drought and heat wave ravaged crops in Missouri, it actually benefitted some of the bird species within the state, especially bobwhite quail.

Bobwhite quail are ground-nesting birds.  Their population in Missouri took a big hit in 2008 when record rainfalls drenched the state. 

Max Alleger with the Department of Conservation says their numbers have improved with last summer’s hot July and this summer’s long stretch of heat and dry weather because wet ground makes it hard to incubate eggs.

“It’s just difficult to keep the egg warm enough to develop and to hatch successfully.”

Alleger says the hot, dry summer also benefitted Missouri’s turkey population, as well as the endangered Greater Prairie Chicken.