Yeah, Birdman, the drought is affecting every facet of our birds' lives in a negative way from the nest to the grave. I've shot a high percentage of skinny birds this year. Yes, the ones next to decent row crop circles are normal weight, but several by failed row crops and in areas without row crop were just light. I fear any harsh weather especially with any frozen precipitation. The birds are living in marginal habitat in many areas and many species of native seed producers failed to produce seed this year. Western ragweed was still in flower when it stopped growth in many places this year. It's one of the more hearty ones! 6-8 inch tall CRP isn't going to provide the severe weather protection that normal height and density would. Feeding cover is thinner and allows for more predation. More time out feeding exposes them longer as well. Should we get any sub-zero temperatures, the limited cover and food supply will be exagerated. Where will they nest? With much of the CRP hayed or grazed, and pastures so short a golf ball leaves a half-mile long shadow at sunset, there will be limited nesting sites available except in wheat. That is alright for pheasants, but quail need that overhead protection. I could go on and on, but you get the drift.
If you want to look at the glass half full, then the pressure we have put on the CRP and pastures will probably improve them in coming years for bird production. Gone is the severe thatch you've all seen in CRP that hasn't been touched in 10-25 years. Disturbance by cattle will increase the likelihood that forbs will get a start in those stands formerly dominated by grasses. That will increase the often limited brood-rearing habitat that produces the insects necessary for those chicks to make rapid growth their first 6-12 weeks. Unfortunately, we have a ways to go before we see those benefits!
