Post by Dutch on Mar 16, 2015 20:57:29 GMT -5
From: "Williams, Lisa" <liswilliam@pa.gov>
To: "Williams, Lisa" <liswilliam@pa.gov>
Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2015 20:58:01 -0400
Subject: GROUSE NEST GPS LOCATIONS NEEDED
Dear PGC Grouse and Woodcock Cooperator,
Thank you for participating in the recent surveys! I have just one more favor to ask and then I will leave you alone until next fall . . .
In April and May, I will be seeking location information for all grouse nests observed in PA. A small number of wild-collected eggs are needed to begin a study of Grouse and West Nile Virus.
If you’re spending time in the woods this spring, please be on the lookout for grouse nests. Whether you are running your dogs, scouting for Spring Gobblers, trout fishing, or just enjoying a day in the woods, you might find a nest. If so, please immediately report GPS location to me via email.
PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB NESTS and DO NOT COLLECT EGGS. Collecting eggs is a violation of the Pennsylvania Game Code. Simply report GPS location.
Some additional info:
1. WHERE to Look for Grouse Nests: Grouse hens prefer to nest in mature forest edges surrounding 5-15 yr old forest patches, scrub oak areas, thick shrubland, and gated forest roads. While drummers like high-density saplings with overhead cover, hens tend to nest in more open forest with rather open understory conditions so they can keep a lookout from the nest. Nests are often placed against a ‘backstop’ – a large tree trunk, root tip up, or even rock face.
2. WHEN to Look for Grouse Nests: Hens will begin laying in mid-April. Incubation begins in the first week of May. The PGC seeks nest location info for all nests found in April and May.
3. HOW to Look for Grouse Nests: I am not asking you to spend any significant work time searching for nests. But if you encounter a grouse flush in suitable open woods habitat, a quick check of the bases of large trees and rocks for nests may be worthwhile.
4. HOW to I.D. Grouse Nests/Eggs: See attached for an info sheet on distinguishing grouse nests and eggs from those of turkeys. Turkey nest information is NOT needed at this time.
5. WHAT TO DO when a nest is spotted: Get GPS location of nest and relay to Lisa using contact info below. She will follow up with you to get additional information if needed.
Thanks for your continued support of the grouse management program!
Lisa
Lisa M. Williams, Wildlife Biologist - Grouse, Woodcock, Mourning Doves
PA Game Commission
liswilliam@pa.gov
To: "Williams, Lisa" <liswilliam@pa.gov>
Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2015 20:58:01 -0400
Subject: GROUSE NEST GPS LOCATIONS NEEDED
Dear PGC Grouse and Woodcock Cooperator,
Thank you for participating in the recent surveys! I have just one more favor to ask and then I will leave you alone until next fall . . .
In April and May, I will be seeking location information for all grouse nests observed in PA. A small number of wild-collected eggs are needed to begin a study of Grouse and West Nile Virus.
If you’re spending time in the woods this spring, please be on the lookout for grouse nests. Whether you are running your dogs, scouting for Spring Gobblers, trout fishing, or just enjoying a day in the woods, you might find a nest. If so, please immediately report GPS location to me via email.
PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB NESTS and DO NOT COLLECT EGGS. Collecting eggs is a violation of the Pennsylvania Game Code. Simply report GPS location.
Some additional info:
1. WHERE to Look for Grouse Nests: Grouse hens prefer to nest in mature forest edges surrounding 5-15 yr old forest patches, scrub oak areas, thick shrubland, and gated forest roads. While drummers like high-density saplings with overhead cover, hens tend to nest in more open forest with rather open understory conditions so they can keep a lookout from the nest. Nests are often placed against a ‘backstop’ – a large tree trunk, root tip up, or even rock face.
2. WHEN to Look for Grouse Nests: Hens will begin laying in mid-April. Incubation begins in the first week of May. The PGC seeks nest location info for all nests found in April and May.
3. HOW to Look for Grouse Nests: I am not asking you to spend any significant work time searching for nests. But if you encounter a grouse flush in suitable open woods habitat, a quick check of the bases of large trees and rocks for nests may be worthwhile.
4. HOW to I.D. Grouse Nests/Eggs: See attached for an info sheet on distinguishing grouse nests and eggs from those of turkeys. Turkey nest information is NOT needed at this time.
5. WHAT TO DO when a nest is spotted: Get GPS location of nest and relay to Lisa using contact info below. She will follow up with you to get additional information if needed.
Thanks for your continued support of the grouse management program!
Lisa
Lisa M. Williams, Wildlife Biologist - Grouse, Woodcock, Mourning Doves
PA Game Commission
liswilliam@pa.gov