Report from Watertown to Redfield via HWY 212

[Dakotazeb]

I went to Redfield this morning and saw a few birds along the road. I returned this afternoon between 4:00 & 5:00. In the 20 mile stretch between Redfield and Doland I must have seen a few hundred birds in the fields and along the road scratchin' for some food and gravel. But once I headed east of Doland there was almost nothing. In the 50 miles from Doland to Watertown I could easily count on my fingers the number of pheasants I saw. It's sad, but this area around Watertown just doesn't have any birds. Pretty much confirms what I was seeing this past fall. If you want to get into birds you have to go from Doland west.

 

[mnmthunting]

Zeb, I came through Redfield, Watertown on my trip. I fueled up in Redfield right at the corner. Everything about Redfield seemed to pertain to pheasants, everywhere there were "welcome Hunters" invitations.
I came through 3-4 pm and saw a ton of pheasants too.

There was this small town a bit West of Redfield, Zell I think? Good Winter cover and the pheasants were crossing the road, flying and running to get to spilled grain by the tracks. MAN! there was a bunch of them.

 

[Dakotazeb]

My point was that you don't have to get very far east of Redfield and the pheasants a scarce. I was glad to see so many that have survived the winter and I couldn't believe the number of hens. There had to be at least 10 hens for every rooster in the bunches I saw. With good nesting conditions that should bode well for this fall.

Easy to see why there are no birds around Watertown and within 30-50 miles to the west. All the fields have been turned over and there is no feed for the birds to find. Plus the low areas that were burned and tilled up this fall. Not much winter cover. Seems when you get out to the Doland area and west the farming practices are different than around here.

 

[PcolaGSP]

Good to hear birds are coming through winter OK. I will be back at my house in Frankfort in June. Can't wait. Friends are seeing birds too. I agree about east of Doland. I did not find many birds east of Clark this past season. Had better luck west of Redfield.