The distinctive “Bob-White!” call of the quail is becoming just a memory for many rural Virginians. Quail populations in Virginia have declined 80% over the last 40 years. Along with the quail, many songbirds and other animals have also disappeared, due to the loss of the early successional habitat these animals need for food, shelter, and raising their young. Early successional habitat consisiting of native grasses, brushy weeds and wildflowers also attract useful pollinators like bees–a benefit to farmers. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is joining other state and federal agencies and groups to educate landowners about how they can get involved to help bring quail back to Virginia.
