The Crowing Post:  07/23/07

As summer approaches, many landowners and county offices are beginning to mow roadsides and odd areas around the state.  Although a nicely mowed area is aesthetically pleasing to some, it means sure disaster for most ground-nesting birds.  Ground-nesting birds like pheasants and quail are particularly vulnerable to mowing until August 1st when most nesting is complete.

Letting grasses grow at this time of the year is extremely important to the success of all ground nesting birds.  In fact, up to 25% of pheasant production comes from roadsides in some areas in Nebraska.  In these areas, pheasant production could see a significant increase if roadside mowing was delayed until after the nesting season.  A wildlife research study on pheasants found that more than 70 percent of all hens killed or injured on the nest were hit between June 10 and July 1. Delaying mowing until August will allow these adults and their broods to reach a stage where they are able to escape such threats. 
     
 
PF supports state and county policies that delay or eliminate mowing of road ditches as a means of preserving upland wildlife habitat.  PF encourages people concerned about wildlife to contact their local government division in charge of roadside mowing and ask them to delay or stop activities that will reduce habitat or harm wildlife. Spot spraying for noxious weeds is the best alternative to mowing for improving nesting habitat along these roadsides and odd areas.
 

 habitat today….pheasants forever!