The effects range from a decreased pheasant population to increased nesting opportunities for waterfowl, according to state wildlife experts. The combination of snow on the ground since December, cold weather and lack of habitat means the breeding stock for this spring has been affected, he said. When snow covers the ground, the darker colors of the pheasant cause the bird to stand out and be more easily spotted by predators. In deep snow, the easier places to find cover, such as roadside ditches, are no longer available, Bogenschutz said. Increased mortality comes with a longer period of measurable snow cover.
Studies show more pheasants die when there is snow cover, regardless of the snow depth.
Add low temperatures, accompanied by bitter wind chills, and the winter becomes deadly. Pheasant numbers become more concentrated where there is cover, often in windbreak areas or near buildings, which adds to their vulnerability. In northern Iowa, where much of the conservation reserve program ground has been plowed under in the last few years, the loss of habitat has been the most severe. Biologists also are getting reports of pheasants that look like they are in bad shape. The problem where there is a lack of habitat is less about being able to find food and more about the effects of the cold.