In running camera traps on Chuihuahuan desert water cachements, I have noticed that Bobwhite quail do not show themselves watering on camera until late autumn, when the Shinnery oak have dropped their deciduous leaves and the annual herbs have died off after the first major frost.
Does anyone have any ideas whether this relates to their life cycle, ingestion of vegetative water, or the disappearance of ephemeral water?
So grateful for your answer, Ali Alwaeli.
I am camera trapping in the Querecho Plains part of the Chihuahuan desert, (New Mexico) where the Shinnery Oak is said to be the largest forest in the world, yet is only shin- high. It is a deciduous tree and offers cover for small animals approx. eight months of the year.
Coincidentally, while I see scaled quail on camera at all times of the year, Northern Bobwhite only occur on camera in November after the first hard frost. Then they are seen watering at the water cachement drinkers, in small coveys or even with individuals mixing with scaled quail coveys.
I am asking for more insight to their water needs, and possibly their "migratory" movements.
Thank You
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