Vol. 9, No. 9 
Page 3 
plots has not resulted from any single factor, although mammal predation was lower 
in 1966 than in the preceding 2 years, and was essentially the same as in l 963 . 
Although the 4-year ( 1963 - 66 ) percentage success of the nests established on 
the two types of plots was similar, higher nest densities on seeded plots have 
resulted in a larger number of successful nests on the seeded (61 nests) than on 
the control plots (32 nests). Thus, while seeded plots have not provided sub¬ 
stantially more secure nesting cover for pheasants than unseeded roadsides, they 
have been more attractive to the birds at the time nest sites are selected. These 
data suggest that it would be appropriate to investigate plant species, for seeding 
on roadsides, which would not only be attractive to the pheasant hen in search of 
a nest site but would also provide better protection from mammalian predators than 
is offered by the grasses and legumes presently occurring on the seeded roadsides. 
3* Factors 1nf1uencinq Distribution and Abundance of Pheasants W. L. Anderson 
Statistical analyses of data presented in the preceding report (Monthly Wild¬ 
life Research Letter, August, 1966) indicated that laying hen pheasants lose an 
average of 5-9 grams body weight with each egg they lay. Similar analyses of data 
obtained from 14 pheasants collected during June 1966 suggest that hens in the 
better pheasant range probably continue to lose weight as the sequences of repro¬ 
duction progress into the egg-incubating period (Table 2). Although the implied 
decrease in body weight per day of incubation (4.0 grams) was not statistically 
significant, decreases in weights of fat deposits were significant (at the 95 percent 
level of confidence); and decreases in weights of the ovary, oviduct, and gizzard 
approached significance (at the 90 percent level of confidence). Failure of the 
implied decrease in body weight to approach statistical significance was thought 
to be a consequence of the near failure to collect hens in early stages of the 23- 
day incubation period; only 3 of the 14 hens had been incubating for less than 10 
days. Therefore, although hen pheasants probably lose weight as the incubating 
period progresses, the data available at the present time are insufficient to prove 
it statistically. Meaningful implications of the above findings probably will not 
become apparent until similar data are collected in succeeding years. 
4. Responses of Bobwhites to Habitat Manipu1 ation J. A. Ellis 
With the cooperation of the Department of Conservation, an experimental burning 
program has been initiated on the Dale and Forbes areas, primarily concentrated on 
the Dale Area. The purpose of this program is to evaluate the vegetative responses 
and the use by quail of habitat conditions resulting from burning. Prescribed 
burning has been an effective tool in the management of bobwhites in the south¬ 
eastern United States. Burning was recommended because: (1) It results in 
establishment of early successional stages of grasses and weeds and retards 
succession of woody plants. (2) Burning eliminates the heavy ground-duff which 
distinctly limits the usefulness to quail of much habitat potentially capable of 
supporting increased quail populations. (3) Burning creates a vast amount of edge. 
(4) Burning stimulates growth of plants and insects which are natural quail foods. 
(5) Burning is an inexpensive management tool. 
On the Dale Area, approximately 50 acres were burned in II plots on March 15" 
16, 1966 . Attempts were made to burn three plots comprising 22 acres on the Forbes 
