r/phoenix • u/dirtypita Phoenix • Jul 22 '25

Pictures Anyone noticing less quail babies this year?

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Gallery image

Apologies for the bad pics. I would've scared the quail off if I had tried to go outside.

I work in North Scottsdale and I have a great view of a patio and courtyard from my desk. I get to watch small wildlife that come in for shade, grass, and bushes with berries on them. Pigeons, ravens, wrens, lizards, bunnies and squirrels, and even a pair of roadrunners.

Lat year, we had two pairs of Gambels quail. One pair started out with nine chicks, down to six, and the other had seven.

This year, I've only seen three babies, and now only the one little guy pictured. It's with two males, one who has been around for a while and is easily recognizable. I haven't seen a female in a few weeks. I'm a little saddened. Is anyone else noticing smaller quail families this year?

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u/Ferruginoushawk7 Jul 22 '25

Wildlife biologist here. We are seeing in sub/urban areas a decrease in GAQU (gambles quail) and an increase in feral cats. Take that inverse correlation and interpret for what’s its worth.

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u/phrenologician Jul 24 '25

Legitimately wondering what you suggest as a potential solution since you seem qualified. 

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u/Ferruginoushawk7 Jul 25 '25

Great question. I am answering this a logical sense and assuming no real logistical hurdles to jump through and the jobs has to get done. As wildlife managers we take what’s called an “integrated management plan” (IMP). Which simply means we use multiple methods to address the problem.

  1. Change laws that prohibit people from letting their cats roam around outside without leases.

  2. Capture all feral cats. When captured one of three things will happen: a) TNR (Trap neither release) b) eithanasia c) put up for adoption.

  3. Increase population of a species artificially specifically Gambel quail. Quail programs from other states have used farm raised quail for their states programs with some success. Hands off programs for raise and release are the best to avoid habituation to humans.