[birdman]

I just wanted to pass on an observation from the past few years. The Kansas CRP program offers additional subsidies to participants who build quail shelters / water traps on their property. These things are sprouting up everywhere. I've noticed the last several years that quail populations are healthy in theses areas. The shelters provide cover from predators and double as a rain / moisture trap to provide water to birds. Do you have these in your areas as well?

[oucorry]

No, but we could use some. They are going to have to try something or quail hunting in Oklahoma will be something of the past

[D Winkler]

When I was younger a buddy and I built some quail guzzlers for a few people. They're great. (and you can make a bunch of money doing it too)

[birdman]

They're pretty darn easy to make. It's basically a square lean-to with that's built about 18" off the ground. The shelters should be made of sheet metal and the front raised higher than the back. The lower back part then has a pvc gutter fitted onto it low enough that the birds can water out of it. The thought is even in dry months, the moisture that collects (dew) or condenses on the metal will run into the gutter for watering the birds. If you build one, make sure you build it low enough that predators can't easily access the back portion.

[D Winkler]

We ran the guttering into a plastic barrel. We cut a fourth out of the barrel and buried half way in the ground on its side. The water collects and so even on days there is no dew to collect the barrel is backup.

[oucorry]

very nice ideas i will have to try that.