One thing I also know, is there has been a drastic decrease in the the number of song Birds we now have compared to 30years ago. Robins, Sparrows, etc. Used to sit on the porch and the Barn Swallows would be flying around by the hundreds. Now? Few.
Hawks are now untouchable, with trapping on the decrease the egg robbers are more prevalent. Winters have been mild and standing water stands around more. Ticks in most of Pa are out of control and they also carry various diseases.
One thing I also know, is there has been a drastic decrease in the the number of song Birds we now have compared to 30years ago. Robins, Sparrows, etc.
As did we, but a lot of the song birds are making a come back. Most noticeable to me are Robins, meadow larks, bluebirds and Yellowhammers. Also crows are thick, and back during the 80's when West Nile was so bad here, that was one of the birds that they wanted samples of, if you found a dead one. miles
Then perhaps there is hope Grouse here will develop resistance.
We found a couple covers were their numbers were on the upswing. Pretty much left them alone except for the last day of the season. Dogs did well, but our shooting left more than a little to be desired.
At the end of the day, we drove home thinking with a good spring hatch next year may be better.
However, a population can crash to the point where the chance of a significant recovery becomes slim.
