The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-12-29
Quail SOON Will STARVE
UNLESS They ARE FED NOW
DR.. H. A. Surface Says the Snow Pre-
vents the Birds From Getting Their
Natural Food and They Must Be
Fed-Not a Bud Eater

State Zoolosist H. A. Surface calls
attention to the fact that the present
snow, although not deep, is very general
in extent over the State, and is pc
cuiar in the fact that it covers the
ground nearly everywhere, not even
leaving the southern hillside exposed.
This makes it impossible for that most
beneficial agricultural bird, the quail,
to find much food excepting weed seeds
at this time, and in many places the
supply of this kind of food will soon
be gone. This means that thousands
of quail soon will commence to starve
to death, and are liable to perish be-
fore the snow disappears and lets them
find their natural food, unless provisions
are made at once for feeding them.
This can be done by breaking the
crust and pushing away the snow, and
placing a little chaff on the bare ground
in the region of the haunts of the quail
Over this spot place rails supported on
posts and erossrails to height of eight
inches above the ground and over the
rails throw thatch or litter to keep the
ground dry beneath. Then throw
grain, wheat screenings, and especially
some buckwheat, if possible, on the
ground under the protecting roof, and
The quail will soon find it, and will
soon learn to come there to feed. The
low roof will prevent dog or fox
from making in and catching them un-
awares. Protect it well by brush
around it.
Another good way to feed these
beneficial and valuable game birds is to
hang unthreshed grain vet in the straw.
in brush where they can find it and
pick it out for themselves. This is
better than throwing it on the snow
for the reason that subsequent snow
fall will not at once conceal it from
them. Those who have unthreshed buck
wheat at hand have thus the means of
carrying the quail safely through the
winter time.
Earnest efforts should be made at
once to save the quail, not only because
they are among our most valuable game
birds, but also because they are great
economic factors, on every farm where
they are found, for the destruction of
insect pests and weed seeds of many
kinds. Also, the time has come when
it is not necessary to appeal to Penn,
sylvanians TO protect our native bird
life because of the dollars and cents in.
volved therein. There is higher and
greater reason for offering this protec
ton to the suffering and starving crea
lures about us. This is to be found in
the ethical value of such creatures. Nc
person who has ever lived on q farm
or heard the clear shril whistle of the
bobwhite on summer morning, need
be paid for few hours work during
the winter time to care for such birds
| No one wishes to think of future gen
erations of mankind deprived of the
pleasure of seeing these interesting
birds around the farm, by the neali
gence of mankind at present. Thi,
snow will kill more quail, if they be
not fed soon than all the gunners OF
the State combined during years of the
open hunting season. 1t kills the entire
covey on farm and in woodland, il
game preserves and protected and un
protected places alike.
During this holiday period of feast
| ing and rejoicing, let us, who live in
the country, or who can reach the
country where the quail may be fed
remember them, and contribute our eff
forts toward their preservation. Fortu
nately, the State Game Commission at
Harrisburg has fund, derived through
the gun license fees. for paying for the
food of the quail. Thus the actual cost
of feeding them is met by the State
and the only requirement on the part
of the individual, is his personal effort
\ rt-l,.t .t.,l, .l,A h Ii
ure of doing something good.
1t must be remembered that tht
quail is not a bud-eater, like its rela
tive the ruffed grouse, or so-called
pheasant. and while the latter will con
tinue to live in certain trees where il
can obtain buds, the former will per
ish because it keeps close to the grounl
in its feeding habits.