A mated pair of bobwhite quail chose this weathered mesquite stump to rest upon and scout for danger. The cock is at the highest point and the hen is lower. Science reports that 80 percent of the adult quail population will not survive the winter regardless of hunting. Severe winters, disease, drought, extremely hot summers, and depredation account for much of the loss.

(Photo by Willie Krecek, ©2025)

by John Jefferson

An old love song’s lyrics go, “Birds on the wing/ start to sing again/that old melody.”

Spring is time for birds calling for mates. The Central Flyway of migratory birds returning to the North passes right through Texas. Those birds and the many that stay here year around have plenty to sing about. Most of it is breeding-related.

My favorites are the mating calls of mou

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