By Michael Hazelbaker, Holly Lott, Clay Sisson, Justin Rectenwald, and Amanda Cramer
Heading into the 2026 breeding season, our long-term study sites in Albany, Central Florida and the Red Hills were experiencing historic drought conditions, which resulted in challenges, delays and even halting of burning. Initial response by bobwhite to drought conditions varied drastically by region. Bobwhite populations in Albany and the Red Hills had their earliest recorded nest initiations, whereas in Central Florida the breeding season was delayed by a month. The report below highlights how bobwhite fared through the rest of the season and what to expect as the quail hunting season begins.
Albany
Spring bobwhite density in Albany was similar to recent years. Following an early start, nesting remained consistent throughout the season. High nest production coupled with good nest survival resulted in a record tying number of broods per hen. We also observed exceptionally high male contribution to incubation and brood rearing, which contributed to the highest total brood production in over two decades at Albany. Well distributed rainfall beginning in May, strong cover growth and what appeared to be an unusually strong reproductive drive all contributed to this high production. Given the data collected, we are cautiously optimistic that bobwhite numbers in the Albany region will be up this fall.
Central Florida
Above average over-winter survival resulted in spring density improving for the third consecutive year at Escape Ranch, but spring density remained lower than the long-term average. Despite the delayed start to nesting, exceptional breeding season survival helped maintain strong production throughout the season. Above average female nest production and good nest success resulted in strong brood production and a dry summer contributed to good chick survival. Given the high nest and brood production along with great summer survival this year, we expect bobwhite numbers in this region to continue the recent upward trend.
Red Hills
Tall Timbers and Livingston Place both entered the breeding season with above average spring bobwhite density. Despite the early start, neither population had the consistent breeding effort documented in Albany and Central Florida. Nest and brood production were below average at both Tall Timbers and Livingston Place. On the western edge of the Red Hills, ill timed rains in June resulted in poor chick survival at Tall Timbers. These rains occurred during a peak in hatching, where it’s important to note that a difference of a few days can influence survival. The eastern periphery of the Red Hills missed some of these rain events, and weather conditions were more favorable at Livingston Place when young broods were on the ground, resulting in good chick survival. We expect bobwhite populations on the western edge of the Red Hills to be down this year with populations on the eastern edge to be similar to last year.
Summary
Due to strong nest and brood production in Albany and Central Florida, we anticipate the fall populations in those regions to be up, whereas we anticipate populations in the Red Hills to be either down or similar
to last year. Of course, as always we will need cooperative weather through the fall and winter to yield good hunting conditions. After all, the best measure of a good summer is great hunting in the fall.
