Another good walk.

Got the dogs out on an early morning jaunt today. Didn’t get into chukar country but walked a road in some decent Hungarian partridge country. I opted to stay on the road and Jake pretty much did the same. Of course Grady didn’t let the heat and tall cheat bother him at all.

I didn’t pack any water, so we made it a short walk. The hillside was very dry with no water sources but there were still little hoppers everywhere. Grady had two points and were both exciting with at least a dozen four to five week old chicks in the coveys. The birds flew at least 100 yards over the ridge. They were definitely first hatch birds that either came right after the heavy rains or towards the end of them. I had my camera but was too slow on the draw.

Jake and I also jumped a pair of huns from the side of the road. Jake’s hearing is getting pretty bad and he didn’t hear or even smell them. I was impressed at how big and colorful they looked. I am hoping that maybe they are a pair that lost their chicks and are renesting and getting ready for a second try at it. No matter what, still being paired is a good sign.

Also, on my drive into the spot, I saw several single male quail running along the road. I assume the mate is sitting on a nest. And a few of my neighbors are seeing lots of little quail.

Once again, it’s looking like the heavy Spring rains might not have been that hard on the birds. Still too early to say how good the numbers are because of the heavy cover, but it’s looking very interesting.

Keep your dogs cool and enjoy the rest of the summer.