A TWO-YEAR STUDY OF THE RING-NECKED PH‘EA-SANT (PHASIANUS COLCHICUS) ON THE 4-500-ACRE DANSVILLE, MICHIGAN STATE GAME AREA Thesis for fheDogroe of M. S. MICHSGAN STATE; COLLEGE Jack L... Caok 1954 /. 7&qu ' 5 INWWUWWWI #3.:00104 96 :- A“ "A: JUL. -mM-w mm‘"” “" __ 1‘ """“ ,iheai entitletf 5. ‘o. A Two Yemasant Study-171i the ICE—1w- Date 0469 five Hundred Acre Daneville State Game Area. presented by Jack London Cook has been accepted towards fulfillment of the requirements for 11.8. degree in Zoology “C. M - Major professor larch 19, 1951+. ) 5/ ‘4 ..-- .- .- PLACE N RETURN BOX to remove this checkout from your record. TO AVOID FINES return on or before date due. DATE DUE‘ DATE DUE DATE DUE 5 MSU In An Affirmlive Aetlon/Equel Opponunlty Institution A.TWO-IIHB.STUDY OF THE RING-NECKED PHEASAHT (ghasianue colchicue) on THE n.5oo-ACRE DANSVILLE, MICHIGAN STATE GAME AREA By Jack L. 990k A THESIS Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Department of Zoology 195k 7’7- 5“” ELBLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRLCI INTRODUCTION ............................ ........ ... ....... ... .Lcknovledgements .... ..... ................................ DESCRIPTION 0! THE DENSVILLE STATE GAME.£REA ................. Location of the Daneville Game.Area ...................... Method 0! Recording Place Locations ...................... ropograpm.....OOOOOOOOOOOOO......OOOOOOO......OOOOOOOOO. 8011‘ ......OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.OOOOOOOOOOOCOOOOO00.00.00... Gnome 0001 CENSUS. 1999 m 1950 nethOd ma Techniques 0.000.000.0000.........OOOOOOOOOOOOO Comparison of Growing Territories and Frequmcies ........ SUMMER 330011 STUDIES IN 1919 um 1950 MOthOdB 000.000.0000...OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOIO. Brood Observations ....................................... Phfiasant Brood Observations, Dansville State Game Area - 19 9 ..................................................... Miscellaneous Observations ............................... Estimated Hatching Period of Broods Observed on The Dansville State Game Area, 1999 ..... Broad 81293 - 19n9 oneeeoeeeeoeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeoeeee Brood Sizes - 1950 ....................................... Hatching Dates ........................................... ransom HUNTING smson STUDIES. 19159 no 1950 Hethod of Study .......................................... Comparison of the 191+9 and 1950 Pheasant Seasons Loss of Crippled Pheasants ............................... Comparison with Hunting Data from other Areas ............ ransm POPULATION scrum. muss 1999-1950 an) WINTER 1950.1951 ...00.000.00.000.00000000000000000000000000000000000 conm' ......OOOOOOO......OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO00.000.000.000... PrOdatorI and nortdity ooeeso.ooeooeoooooeeoeooeeeeeeeeee Li'O TrQPing .eoooooeeeoooe000000000000.00000000000000... 331.2532 H HKO W «our: : N 68 68 69 SIT? )1 lllll ll l\.' I I a v: “M C. ... .O. is ‘01 -\~ .5 7. . .. ..v s 96 D "‘Vvv-a u 4“ ' Ne w am OF ME PEASAMS ......OOOOOOOOOOOOO ....... 0.00.... n.thOd 0: Release ......OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO rate Dingleased Pheaswts ......Q....0.0...0.00......0000 rmron 5mm. 1999-1950 ..... Spring and Summer 19MB ......................... ..... ..... “m1 Predator” ......OOOOOO..OOOOOOOOOOOCOOOCOOOOOOQ Birds OfPrey .0.........OOOOOOOOOOOOOO....00......... Fall and Winter, 1949-1950 .... WALUATION OF THE DANSVILLEABEAAS PHELSANT HABITAT ......... food and Cover ...................... ..... ....... ..... .... DISCUSSION 01‘ THE DANSVILLE PHEASANT POPULATION. 19119-1950 ee . FINDINGS ..................................................... CONCLUSIONSANDREOOMMENDATIONS ..... ....... .................. SUMMARY ....................................... ...... ......... APPEDIX ..................................................... HTMME CITE.0.0....OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. 71+ 76 78 78 79 81 82 65 85 33 95 100 106 112 ...... ----- aaaaa aaaaaaaaaa fable 1 ”a le 2 H D (3 ' l I. \ pl 0 I [n (T .. J (- ‘III ‘ebls 5 Title 6 Iabls 7 “big 8 25bis C Table 1r labl. 1. “5°10 1L gab1e -: Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table 10. 11. 12. 13. 11+. 15. LIST OF TABLES COCK GROWING DATA FROM FOUR SAMPLE AREAS .......... COMPARISON OF MEANS OF 310 GROWING COUNTS TAKEN AT mun SAMPLE STATIONS. eeeee eeeeo eeeee so eeeee coco... PROM INCREASE (OR DECREASE) IN AVERAGE NUMBER ON GROWINGS PER Two-MINUTE INTERVALS IN 1950 OVER 1919 PERCENT INCREASE (OR DECREASE) IN GROWING PER TWO- MINUTE INTERVALS AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 39° OVER THOSEBELOU 900...”... .......... ....... .. PERCENT OF INCREASE (OR DECREASE) IN CROMING PIR Two-MINUTE INTERVALS WITH WIND BELOW 16 MILES PER HOUR OVER COUNTS TAKm WITH WIND ABOVE 15 MILES PER HOUR oaeeoeeoeeeeeeeseeeeeeooeee.’ GROWING DATA FROM 29 LISTENING STATIONS, 19h9 AND 1950 .............................................. A COMPARISON OF THE MEANS or 216 Two-MINUTE GROWING COCK COUNTS TAKEN AT 29 LISTENING STATIONS PERCENT OF INCREASE IN AVERAGE NUMBER.OF CROWINGS Pm Two MINUTES IN 1950 OVER 191+9 0e eeeee eeoe eeeee O PERCENT or INCREASE OR (DECREASE) IN CRONING PER Two-MINUTE COUNTS WITH WIND BELOW 16 MILES OVER COUNTS TAKEN wITH MINDS ABOVE 15 MILES PER HOUR PHEASANT OBSERVATIONS AND SEX RATIOS NOR SPRING 1999 AND 1950...... ...................... COMPARISON OF ALL BROOD OBSERVATIONS . ............. COMPARISON OF OBSERVATIONS OP COMPLETE BROODS ..... APPROXIMATE HATCHING DATES ON DANSVILLE BROODS. 19u9 AND 1950 ..................................... HATCHING DATES OF DANSVILLE PHEASANT BROODS, 19h9- 1950 .eqeeeoeeo ooooooo e eeeee eeeeeoeeeeeeeeeeoaee HATCRING DATES OP PRAIRIE FARM PHEASANT DROODS. 19n9.1950 ......I.........O0.0.0.0... ..... 0.0.0.... 154 18 19 20 21 23 31 32 33 In In ‘6‘ 52 53 F'- V‘r—O’ — ___,__‘—_\,—- .._.—.—___ 23119 A' Iatle A' I " ca:¢° A: " “,. 2a3.0 .- ._., ,x 28.110 ;, l’ ’. .5519 C- IAEIQ 2: Table 22 Tat-la "' ’Etle 25 Iable ~~ rails 2; fable 2 Iable E Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table 16. 17. 18. 19. 21. 22. 23. 2h. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. SOME PHEASANT BROOD HATCHING DATES, 1950 . ........ . DANSVILLE HUNTING SEASON DATA BI WEEKS. 19h9 AND 1950 .0000... ..... O ....... .0 ...... ... ...... 0.0.0... HUNTING SEASON DATA ..... 9.00.00...IOOOOOOOOOOOOCOO 'RUNTING SEASON PREASANT OBSERVATIONS. l9k9 AND 1950 HUNTING SEASON AGE RATIOS . ........................ COMPARISON ON HILL DISTRIBUTION AND VULNERABILITI BETWEEN NILD AND HANDED PHEASANTS, 19h9 AND 1950 MTIRG SEASONS .eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeooeeeeeeeeeeeeooeo. PHEASANT SEASON DATA. DANSVILLE,IPRAIRIE FARM AND mSE ME ......0...‘......OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ESTIMATED WINTER PHEASANT POPULATIONS ............. PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION OF COVER TYPES OF THREE AREAS eeeeeee eeeee eeeeeOeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeoe PERCENT OF TOTAL PLANTS COLLECTED AT DANSVILLE FOUND IN PHEASANT DIETS IN NORTHEAST UNITED STATES. ESTIMATED PHEASANT POPULATION BASED ON POPULATION STUDIES, FALL - 19h9 ............ .......... ........ ESTIMATED PHEASANT POPULATION BASED ON POPULATION STUDIES. FALL-1950 Oeee eeeeee ee eeeeeeeee eeeeeeeee ESTIMATED TOTAL PHEASANT RAG AND KILL PER 100 ACRES 19h9 AND 1950 .................. CALCULATION OF PHEASANT NUMBERS AT DANSVILLE BASED ON SEX.RATIO AND HUNTING BAG . .............. . ..... . DINPEIENCES BETWEEN ESTIMATED AND CALCULATED DANSVILLE PHEASANT NUMBERS. 1949 AND 1950 . ..... 5h 61 62 62 63 65 67 68 86 37 89 ligure Iigure lflgure Pigure Figure llgure Figure Jigure Figure Iigure Figure I. II. III. IV. ‘ V. VI. VII. VIII. LIST OF FIGURES Boundary of Study Area .. ...... ................. Location of Growing Territories, 19h9-1950 ..... SamPle Areas for Growing Counts and Pheasant Release Sites ......... ........ Location of 29 Listening Stations .............. Locations of 32 Pheasant Broods Observed during June, July and.August of 19h9 .................. Locations of 32 Broods Observed during June, July and August of 1950 by L. Eberhardt, D. Ramsay and J. COOk 000.000.00.00.00000000000000. Comparison of Dansville Hatching Distributions . Comparison of Prairie Farm Hatching Di'tributions .0...0.0.0.000.......OOOOOOOOOOOOO Comparison of Dansville and Prairie Earn Hatching Distrimtions .....OOOOOOOOOOOOOO. 00000 Trap Locations. Summer 19M9 ....... ......... .... Trap Locations, Winter l9M9-l950 ........ ...... . 13 22 1+9 55 56 57 72 73 INTRODUCTION Because the ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a papular game bird in southern Michigan, factors influencing its welfare are of great interest to those who wish to see this species increase in numbers. The problem of just how to eStablish and maintain a pheasant pepulation satisfactory to sportsmen and wildlife technicians has been and is highly controversial. Early efforts to increase populations were for the most part limited to hunting restrictions and releasing game-farm pheasants. Gradually research and experience have shown that, in most cases, if enough pheasants are released in a suitable habitat. the species will maintain itself without further releases. Research and experience have also indicated that pheasants will not survive if released in habitats that do not meet their specific requirements. ' Since the introduction of the pheasant in North.America.(It has be- come increasingly evident that much of our game range does not meet the habitat requirements of the species. Some of these areas could, with a major change in habitat, become suitable pheasant range. Because such changes are seldom feasible, it is the first class and marginal pheasant range with whichwwildlife Studentsiand game management agencies are con- cernedé) Good pheasant range is, of course, not a problem; such range serves as an example of what makes suitable pheasant habitat. In most cases all of the factors that make a certain area excellent pheasant range are not obvious, but are probably intangible combinations of varying £810 a: :Leasa; FLU—E a sinus 3' ‘01!” :95 F G g 199‘, “~a:5 ‘3- u proportions of common habitat situations such as weather, winter-cover relationship and the interspersion of adequate cover and food supplies. Before sound management of pheasant habitat can be undertaken, an in- ventory of the pheasant and its habitat resources must be made to de- termine, if possible, what requirements are lacking. This paper presents such an inventory on a typical southern Michigan game area on submarginal land. An attempt has been made to evaluate pheasant and habitat resources with a view toward formulating management plans and hunting regulations. An effort has been made to draw conclu- sions that might be of value to a game technician from such routine sources as crowing cock censuses, summer brood counts, and hunting season data. In addition, a predator study and a study of released game-farm pheasants was made. These studies, though of limited sCOpe, made it possible to draw some conclusions regarding their possible impacts on the pheasants. Whenever possible, these data from the Dansville area are compared to similar data from the Rose Lake Wildlife Experiment Station and to information from other similar study areas. Acknowledgements The author wishes to express his sincere thanks to Dr. George J. Wallace for his constant supervision, guidance and interest in the prep— aration of this paper. Grateful acknowledgement is also due to Lee K. Nelson and L. L. Eberhardt for their aid in obtaining some of the crowing cock and pheasant brood data. The writer appreciates the transportation to and from the study area furnished by the Game Division, Michigan Department of Conservation. Helpful suggestions and other aid by members of the Game Division and students of Michigan State College are also greatly appreciated. Comparative data regarding pheasants on areas other than Dansville were taken from various Pittman-Robertson quarterly reports and records from the Rose Lake Wildlife Experiment Station. DESCRIPTION OF THE DANSVILLE STATE GAME.AREA Location of the Dansville Game Area The study was made on the ”,500-acre Dansville State Game Area (Fig. I) whidh is located in southcentral Ingham County, Michigan. The study area includes all or part of the following sections. TIN. RIE. 52 u u 33 u I sh N u 55 T2N, RIE. $26 I II 827 ' ' $28 I a 529 II II 530 II II 531 II N $32 II 533 II II 5 31+ u u 535 The study area is bounded by Dexter Trail on the north, Kelly Road on the northwest, Potter Road on the west, Ewers Road on the south and by Williamston Road on the east. Portions of the tract to the south and east of the above named boundaries were also included. Method of Recording Place Locations The method of recording place locations in the field, used in this study. was developed by Allen (l9ul). It consists of dividing up a section into hO-acre square plots. SAW“: 0 wild 3239.0 02:5: 2!... g 8.3 .353 no afiefiom Eu m 80.5 a g g: QZMUM... ummZ5 ”2(0 20F<>¢umzou no .rZuiEguo Z538 552. KunZOU m0 EU2E(QUO 2(U.In¥vz TABLE 1 COCK GROWING DATA FROM FOUR SAMPLE.AREAS 1h EStation Location Date Sunrise Wind & Average Frequency Temp. Notes #1 #2 #1 +2 1&1 1¥1 1F1. IP23 i622 Lienhart Road - Release 2-5-J4-NW 14.11449 6:03 a.m. 2—5-1-NW h-Ih-hg 6:03 a.m. Lienhart Road - Release Site #1 - gghg 2-5-h—Nw h-19-50 5:52 8-m- 2-5-1-Nw h-I9-50 5:52 .... ‘ A ‘ Dexter Trail - Release NE 23 .s T-39°F NE 2 2.1 T-39 E Site #1 - 1950 wsw 18 1.16 T-MO 01‘ Nsw 16 1.8 T-h60r Wind interference Wind interference Fair listening Fair listening 28-lH-l-NW “-12-h9 6:05 a.m. 28-lN—l-NW h—l6-u9 6:01 a.m. 28-1h-1-Nw 5—in-u9 5:33 a.m. 23-1h-2-NE h-12-M9 6:05 a.m. 23-1h-2-NE n.16-h9 6:01 a.m. SE 11 3.3 T-u2°P N 20 1.1 T-270F Negligible 5.0 T—57°F SE 11 3.6 T-u2°r w 1h 1.6 T-2s°r Good listening Light snow at intervals. Sun visible through thin clouds. Wind interference. Excellent listen- ing conditions. No wind interfer— ence. Some auto- mobile interference. Good listening Light snow at intervals. Sun Visible through thin clouds. Wind interference. EBtation Location Date Sunrise Wind & Average Frequency Temp. 15 Notes +2 #3 #3 #3 in iii {51 it]. iFEE i623 i622 Dexter Trail - Release 28-1u.2-NE n.17-u9 28-1u-2-Nw 8.16-u9 28-1u.2-Nw n.2o-u9 28-1u.2-Nw n.21-u9 28-13-1-Nw n.17-u9 28-13-l-NW n.20-89 28-13-1-NW 5-1u.u9 Dexter Trail - Release 28—1u.1-Nw n.23-50 28-1u.1-Nw u-16-50 28-1h-14Nw u—17-50 28-1h.2-NE 8-17-50 28—1u.2-NE h—15—50 28-1h.2-NE n.15-5o 6:10 a.m. 6:01 a.m. 5:57 a.m. 5:56 a.m. 6:00 a.m. 5:57 a.m. 5:33 a.m. 5: as a.m. 5:56 a.m. 5:5N a.m. 5:5” a.m. 5:57 a.m. 5:57 a.m. Site #2 - 1983 Negligible 8.1 T-270F W 19 3-3 T—270F SW 11 10.5 T-37°F SW 11 10.1 T-M6OF Negligible ”.0 T-270F SN 16 8.6 T-37°F Negligible 6.5 T-h0°F Site #2 - 1350 NE 12.5 5.3 T-hu°r WSE 12.9 5.0 Approx. T-32°r w 16 6.8 T-5u0r w 16 10.1 T-56°r WNW 11.5 3.0 T-25°F WNW 11.5 3.5 T-ZSOP Good listening Light snow at intervals. Sky clearing. Wind interference. Excellent listening Excellent listening Good listening Wind interfered somewhat at this station Excellent listening Good listening Good listening A little wind interference A little wind interference Some wind interference Good listening 16 ‘ Station Location Date Sunrise Wind & Average Temp. Frequency Notes #3 #3 *3 Dexter Trail - Release 28-1h—2-Nw u-25-5O 5:u2 a.m. 28-lll-2-Nw 1:45-50 5:12 a.m. 28-lh-2-Nw 14-27-50 5:39 a.m. 28-13-1—NW “-27-50 5:39 a.m. 28-13-l-NW L26-50 5:140 a.m. 28-13-1-NW 11.26.50 50:0 a.m. Site #2 - 1950 ME 2) 5. 8 Some wind T-NOOF interference ENE 20 h.8 Some wind T-h30F interference WSW 15 8.8 Good listening T-350F WSW 15 h.5 Fair listening T-35°F SW 20 5.5 Some wind T-37°F interference SN 20 6.2 T-37°r Seven Gables - Release #1 #1 #2 #2 #1 #1 #2 #2 3Lh-h-NW 3u.h.u.Nw 3u-5-2-Nw 3M-5-2-Nw u—lu-49 6:03 a.m. l+--l6-’+9 6: 01 a. m. n.1u.u9 6:03 a.m. 14-16-19 6: 01 a.m. Seven Gables - Release Site #3 - 1989 3LLu—Nw 314-11.me 3L5-2-Nw 31+.5.2-Nw 1:41-50 6:01: a.m. 11.12-50 6:02 a.m. li-ll-SO 6:01: a.m. 14.12-50 6: 02 a.m. NE 23 5. 1 Wind interference T-ho°r W 19 .5 Wind interference T-27°F NE 23 3.1 Wind interference W 19 .7 Wind interference T-27°F Site #3 - 1950 W'30 5.3 Fair listening. T-u10r Wind interference WNW 17 1.3 A little wind T-25°F interference W 30 3.6 Only fair listen- T-hl°F ing. Wind inter- ference. WNW 17 1.2 A little wind T-25°F interference 1? Wind & Average EStation Location Date Sunrise Temp. Frequency Notes Site #h - l9h9 Potter Road - Release #1 5-1-2-SW u—la—h9 6:05 a.m. SE 10 7.2 Good listening T-hoor #1 5-1-2—SW “-16-59 6:01 a.m. W 18 .8 Wind interfered T-27°F somewhat with good hearing #2 5-2-l-NE n—lz-ug 6:05 a.m. SE 10 6.6 Good listening T—h00P #2 5-2-1-NE n.16-h9 6:01 a.m. w 15 1.5 Wind interfered T—27°F somewhat with good hearing #2 5-2-1-NE h—26—u9 5:51 a.m. w'20 .8 Wind interfer- T-60°F ence #3 32-16—3-NW 8-23-h9 5:5u a.m. w 30 u.; Wind interfer- T-h6°F ence #h 32-15-u.Nw n.23-u9 5:5u a.m. w 30 2.5 Wind interfer- T-u6°F ence #5 32-16-2-Nw h-26-h9 5:51 a.m. w 25 .8 Wind interfer- T-6OOF ence Potter Road - Release Site #u - 1950 #1 5-1-2-sw h-21-50 5:k8 a.m. w 11 7.0 Good listening T-35°F #1 5-1-2-SW M-21-5O 5:”8 a.m. W 11 6.8 Good listening T-36°F #2 5-2-1-NE N-21-50 5:h8 a.m. W 11 5.8 Good listening T-39°F #2 5-2-l—NE 8-20—50 5:h9 a.m. w 16 2.6 Some wind T-37°F interference +2 5-2-1-NE 8.30.50 5:35 a.m. ENE 15 15.7 T-uo°r 18 w r Wind 8: Average Station Location Date Sunrise Temp. Frequency Notes Potter Road - Release Site 594: - 1950 #3 32-16—3-NW L30-50 5:35 a.m. ENE 15 9.1 T-hjor #l: 32-15-1:-Nw 11.29-50 5:36 a.m. ENE 15 1+.0 TJLOOF #5 32-16-2-NW u-29-50 5: 36 a.m. ENE 15 5.0 T-hoor TABLE 2 COMPARISON OF MEANS OF 310 GROWING COUNTS TAKEN AT FOUR SAMPLE STATIONS 19h9 1950 Above 39° Below 1+0" Above 39° Below “0° Wind Wind Wind Wind Wind Wind Wind Wind above below above below ab ov e below above bel ow 15 mph 16 mph 15 mph 16 mph 15 mph 16 mph 15 mph 16 mph ¥ A11 counts 2.7 6.1 1.7 5.1 11.5 7.8 3.3 5.9 crowing counts 2.5* 1+.1 1.1+ 1.6: 3.2 8.5 2.9 the t5a.]:en later thanfhour after sunrise Counts taken 2.8 7.6 2.7": 6.0 5.2 5.0* 14.1 7.7 hour before to ihour after sunrise ‘ " Insufficient data 19 In all categories except one. the percent increase in the 1950 crow- ing frequency over that of 191+9 was substantial (Table 3); the exception was in a category having insufficient data to cause the digression to be considered significant. ” — ":_: TABLE 3 PERCENT INCREASE (OR DECREASE) IN AVERAGE NUMBER OF CROWINGS PER TWO-MINUTE INTERVALS IN 1950 OVER 19149 w—_-: _:— —7 -—‘ * Above 39° Below “0° Wind above Wind below Wind above Wind below 15 mph 16 mph 15 mph 16 mph .All counts combined 66 2M 9M 16 Counts taken later 22‘ 107 107 162* than 5 hour after sunrise Counts taken i hour 86 -3W* 51"I 28 before to 4; hour after sunrise "' I nsuffi ci ent data -P ercent decrease A comparison of two-minute crowing counts taken above 39° and below “0° was made using the counts recorded on the sample areas. All categories With sufficient data show higher crowing frequencies when the temperature Was above 39°. These comparisons are shown in Table ’4. 20 TABLE u PERCENT INCREASE (0R DECREASE) IN CRCEIEC PER TWO-MINUTE INTERVALS AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 39o OVER THOSE BELOW ho° 199 1950 Above 39° Above 39° Wind above Wind below Wind above Wind below 15 mph 16 mph 15 mph 16 mph .111 counts combined 58 19 36 32 Counts taken later 78‘ 156* 10 102 than i hour after sunrise Counts taken-5 hour 3* 26 26 -35* before to % hour after sunrise *Insuffici ent data -Percent decrease A comparison of two-minute crowing counts taken with wind below 16 miles per hour and with wind above 15 miles an hour was made using data from the sample areas. Growing frequencies taken when the wind was below 16 miles per hour showed higher frequencies in all cases where sufficient data were available. The comparison of crowing frequencies taken with different wind velocities is summarized in Table 5. 21 TABLE5 PERCENT OF INCREASE (OR DECREASE) IN GROWING PER TWO-MINUTE INTERVALS WITH WIND BELOW 16 MILES PER HOUR OVER COUNTS TAKEN WITH WIND ABOVE 15 MILES PER HOUR 1919 1950 Above 39° Below #00 Above 390 Below 140° All counts combined 125 50 73 78 Counts taken later 6’" 11W 165 143+ than g hour after sunrise Counts taken 4} hour 171 122 -3.8"' 87 before to -§ hour after sunrise *Insufficient data -—Percent decrease During April and May of l9l+9 and 1950, 216 two-minute crowing counts were made at 29 stations on the study area. The counts were taken while directions used to locate crowing territories were being obtained. These data are listed in Table 6 (see Table 2 in appendix for complete data). station locations are plotted in Fig. IV. 22 «as 66%.} eoanmnm meneeeeaa nv mm a l OZm0MJ unkz:oo z¢UWZOU to Euétuo 2(910.) 23 TABLE 6 GROWING DATA FROM 29 LISTENING STATIONS, 19h9 AND 1950 Wind 8: Average Dat e Sunri se Temp. Frequency Not es Station #1 - 13143 WES-1&9 5:38 a.m. ENE 20 8.1 A little wind interference T-380F 14—26419 5:1to a.m. ssw 19 l T’57oI Station #1 - 1950 5-5-50 5:28 a. m. SE 22 9 A little wind interference T-5h 1‘ Station #2 -—131+9 n.26.u9 5:110 a. m. ssw 20 3.5 T-59°F Station #2 - 1950 5-5-50 5:28 a. 111. SE 23 1+ Some wind interference T-550E Station #3 — lgug N—e6-h9 5:)40 a.m. ssw 20 1.5 Wind Interference T-59°3‘ Station #3 - 1350 5-5-50 5:28 a.m. SE 2% 3.2 A little wind interference 53-55 F ' Station #14 - I553 _ 5-31-h9 5:03 a.m. sw 11 ' 3.2 13-59% Station #1; - 195g 55-5-50 5:28 a.m. SE 2‘4 1.6 Wind interference T-57°r 2h Wind 8: Average Date Sunrise Temp. Frequency Notes Station #5,- 1939 l-l--26-’+9 5:51 a.m. W 20 .8 Wind interference T-6O°r 14—23-149 5:5“ a.m. W 28 M3 Wind interference T-M6°E Station #5 - 1950 5-6-50 5:27 a.m. WSW 30 3.8 Wind interference T-58°F 5-6—50 5:27 a.m. wsw 30 k6 Wind Interference T—5s°r Station #6 - l9h9 5—5-‘49 5.28 a. m. SW 15 8 Fair listening T-68°F Station #6 - 1950 Ei-10-50 5:22 a.m. W 18 8.5 A little wind interference T—u7°r Station #1-_l9y9 T-670F Station #7 - 1% 5—10-50 5:22 a.m. w 18 7.5 A lIttle wind Interference T-M7OE StatIon #8 - 1959 5—19-u9 5:12 a.m. s 21 A little wind interference T-67°F Station #8 - 1950 510.50 5:22 a.m. w 18 9.5 Fair listening T-h7°r \ 25 Wind & Average Date Sunrise Temp. Frequency Notes Station #9_e 19h9 5-3l-N9 5:03 a.m. SW 17 2.2 Good listening T-60°F Station #9 - 1950 5-10—50 5:22 a.m. W 18 9 Fair listening T-u90E Station #10 - l9u9 5.30-19 thou a.m. S 10 Ins Good listening T—500F Station #10 - 1950 5-28-50 5:05 a.m. N 8 6.6 Good listening T-ugor Station #11 - 19143 fi—jiO-h9 5:0h a m. s 10 5 Good listening T-55°F Station #11 - 1950 5-28-50 5:05 a.m. N 8 6.6 Good listening T-h9°r Station #12 - 1949 5-3-49 5:31 a.m. SW 19 5 A little wind interference T-53°E Station #12 - 1950 5.2-50 5:32 a.m. ENE 10 8.6 Good listening T-37°E -....__: ______________________________________________________ Station filL- 1919 5‘3~‘+9 5:31 a.m. SW 16 1t EaIr listening T-510F 26 Wind 8: Average Date Sunrise Temp. Frequency Notes Station #13 - 1950 5-2-50 5:32 a.m. NE 10 8 Good listening T-37°E Station #1“ - 19E9 5-3-“9 5:31 a.m. SW 16 8 Fair listening T-53°F Station #1“ - 1959 5-2-50 5:32 a.m. ENE 10 9.7 Good listening T-37°E Station #15 —A9“9 5-3-“9 5:31 a.m. SW 16 8 Good listening T—53°F Station #15 - 1950 5-1-#50 5:29 a.m. NE 11 12 Good listening T-55°F Station #16 - 19“3 5-3-149 5:31 a.m. SW 16 3 Fair listening T-530E 5-5—1‘9 5:28 a.m. 1 Wind interference Station #16 - 1950 5-“~—50 5:29 a.m. NE 11 9 Good listening T-55°r Station #17 - 19u9 5‘5‘“9 5: 28 a.m. SW 211 2.5 Car Interference and a T-68°F little wind Interference Station #11 - 1950 5‘14‘50 5:29 a.m. NE 11 7.7 Good listening T-55°F 2? Wind & Average Date Sunrise Temp. Frequency Notes Station #18 - l9“9 5-27-89 5:06 a.m. WNW 13 1.2 T-“30F Station #18 - 195g 5-“-50 5:29 a.m. NE 11 3.7 Good listening T-55°F Station #19 - 1989 “-28-“9 5:38 a.m. E 20 2.3 A little wind interference T-38°F 5—5-“9 5:28 a.m. SW 2“ 5 Wind interference T-68°F Station #19 - 1950 5-28-50 5:2u a.m. ESE 15 5 T-“30F Station #20 -19“9 — — “-28-“9 5:38 a.m. E 20 .66 A little wind interference T-38°F Station #20 - 1950 5-8-50 5:2“ a.m. ESE 15 7 T-“3°F —— StatIon #21 - 1989 “—1“—“9 5:52 a.m. ENE 21 5.1 T-“O°F “—l“—“9 5:59 a.m. ENE 21 3.3 A little wind interference T-“0°F Station #21 - 1950 “-17e5o 5:5u a.m. w 16 6.8 .A lIttle wind Interference T-5u°r “-17:50 5:5“ a.m. w 16 6.8 A little wind Interference Ell-56°F 28 W— Wind & Average Date Sunrise Temp. Frequency Notes Station #22 - 19N9 “-28-“9 5:38 a.m. NE 20 1.3 A little wind interference T-380F 5-8—“9 5:2“ a.m. NE 9 2.6 Good listening T-u2°r Station #22 - 1950 5—12-50 5:19 a.m. sw In 6.3 Fair listening T-u9or ------------’-------=_ -— *“ -——---------------—--.-—’---—-' ‘Station #23 - 19“9 5-7-“9 5:25 a.m. NE 19 0 A little wind interference T-“90F 5-8-“9 5:2“ a.m. NE 9 2.6 Good listening T-“30F Station 223 - 1950 5—12-50 5:19 a.m. SE 1“ 2.6 Fair listening T—“9°F Station_#2“ - q9u9 6-1-“9 “:03 a.m. SE 17 2.6 A little wind interference T-5“°F Station #2u - 1950 5-29-50 5:0u a.m. ENE 8 6.6 Good listening T—59°F -- _ A‘._ ... — _ ——— — - StatiOn #25 - l9“9 — 5—23-“9 5:09 a.m. SW 15 3.2 Fair listening T-53°F Station #25 - 1950 5-29-50 5:0“ a.m. END 8 5 Good listening T'59OF 29 Wind & Average Date Sunrise Temp. Frequency Notes Station #26 - 19t9 5-23-“9 5:09 a.m. wsw 1“ u.2 Good listening T-approx. 60°F Station #26 - 1950 5-23-50 5:09 a.m. w 8 8.6 Good listening T-58°F ‘Station #27 - l9“9 5-28-“9 5:05 a.m. NNN 12 t No Interference T-“0°F Station #2] - 1950 5-23-50 5:09 a.m. W 8 10.3 No interference T-580F Station #28—- 1999 “-28-“9 5:38 a.m. E 15 2.6 A little wind interference T-380F Station #28 - 1950 5-7-50 5:25 a.m. NNW 15 9 A little wind interference T-“h0F Station #29—- 19“9 5-23-“9 5:09 a.m. WSW l“ 5.66 T'57OF Station #29 - 1950 5-25-50 5:h2 a.m. SSE l“ 12 T-67°F 3O Growing counts listed in Table 6 were averaged and the means of these averages were placed in the following categories for comparison: counts made during l9“9 and 1950, counts taken when wind velocity was above 15 miles per hour and when it was below 16 miles per hour. The counts at the 29 stations were taken at later dates than those on the sample areas and were made when temperatures were more uniform, most all of which were above “0°; therefore temperature was not considered a factor affecting crowing frequencies. A comparison of crowing frequencies for the 29 stations is summarized in Table 7. TABLE 7 A COMPARISON OF THE MEANS OF 216 TWO-MINUTE GROWING COCK COUNTS TAHEN.AT 29 LISTENING STATIONS 19“9 1950 Wind above Wind below Wind above Wind below 15 mph 16 mph 15 mph 16 mph Counts taken-§ hour 3.“ “.“2 7.7 7.6 before to Q hour after sunri se Counts taken later 3.8 “.07 5.1 6.6‘ than i hour after sunrise A11 counts combined 3.73 “.17 6.7 7.6 k *Insufficient data In the category of counts taken i hour before to § hour after sunrise the crowing frequencies were slightly higher with winds above 15 miles per 31 hour; however, in all other instances frequencies were higher when winds were below 16 miles per hour. The percent of increases in crowing frequencies in 1950 over l9“9 in all categories of crowing counts taken at the 29 stations is summarized in Table 8. TABLE 8 PERCENT OF INCREASE IN AVERAGE NUMBER OF CROWINGS PER TWO MINUTES IN 1950 OVER 19“9 — f —¥ ___— Wind above Wind below 15 mph 16 mph Counts taken % hour 126 73 before to % hour after sunrise Counts taken later 3“ 65 than«§ hour after sunrise All counts combined 81 80 A comparison of two-minute crowing counts taken with wind velocity below 16 miles per hour and above 15 miles per hour was made using croudng data from the 29 stations. Growing frequencies taken.when the wind was below 16 miles per hour were higher in all categories but one. A compari- son of crowing frequencies taken with different wind velocities is summa- rized in Table 9. 32 TABLE 9 PERCENT OF INCREASE OR (DECREASE) IN CROWING PER TWO-MINUTE COUNTS WITH WIND BELOW 16 MILES OVER COUNTS TAKEN WITH WINDS ABOVE 15 MILES PER HOUR 1918 1950 Wind below Wind below 16 mph 16 mph Counts taken-§ hour 29.0 -l.O before tolfi hour after sunrise Counts taken later 5.5 29,h than Q hour after sunrise All counts combined 13.5 13.“ -Percent decrease Crowing cost data.from.similar sample areas. such as The Rose Lake Wildlife Experiment Station and The Prairie Farm, are not available for comparison with the Dansville data for 19“9 and 1950. However, state— wide crowingldata from 37 census routes run yearly by the Game Division showed an average 39 percent increase in crowing index over l9“9. The crowing index is the highest average number of crowings for any one census run. Increases were as high as 136 percent. A few decreases were found. In 1950 the four sample areas had a 57 percent increase in crowing frequency whereas the 29 listening stations had a 99 percent in- crease. These increases were of all crowing averages. Census runs similar to those made by the Game Division were not made in this study. The greater increase of crowing frequency in the Dansville area might be 33 due to a faster build up of spring breeding pOpulations in the less de- sirable areas caused by an overflow from more favorable surrounding pheasant habitat. Pheasant records during the crowing cock study indicated that there was a lower sex ratio in the Spring of 1950; however, the total breeding pOpulation was approximately twice as large (see Table 10). TABLE 10 PHEASANT OBSERVATIONS AND SEx RATIOS EUR SPRING l9“9 AND 1950 Year No. Cocks N0. Hens Cocks & Hens Sex Ratio 19“9 N2 66 108 6“M:100F 1950 70 162 230 “3M:100F 3“ SUMMER BROOD STUDIES IN 19u9 AND 1950 Methods Brood observations were made while driving along roads during the early morning and late evening hours. and while cruising the area on foot. In l9“9 observations were made while driving “62 miles and during two hundred hours of searching away from road areas on foot; in 1950 ' they were made with approximately the same search effort as in l9“9. Dogs were used to help locate broods while searching on foot. A 20- power Spotting scepe and binoculars were utilized in determining brood 31 as, sex and other details. Except for a few acres of Open marsh the entire study area was searched for broods. Observations farther apart than one-quarter of a mile were not considered to be of the same brood; those closer than one-quarter of 3 mile were separated by age of brood and by size. Brood Observations In 19“9, 58 observations were made of 32 different broods. In 1950, 90 observations were made of 32 broods. A description of these fOllowfk: Brood lo. 1 2 35 Pheasant Brood Observations Dansville State Game Area Date June June June Aug. June June June July Aug. June June July 12 28 17 18 21 18 22 28 19 27 18 19h9 Observations Fourteen pheasant chicks, 3 weeks old. Ken and 10 chicks 3 weeks old. h:00 P.M. Han and 10 chicks 3 weeks old in grass around abandoned farmyard. One cock and 2 hens observed in the immediate vicinity. 5:”0 A.M. Two chicks 11 weeks old near abandoned farm house. One cock and 1 female flushed north to a small swamp. 7:00 A.M. Ben and 3 chicks 5 to 6 weeks old on roadside. 7:30 Am“. Four chicks without hen. age 6 weeks. 7:00 P.M. Ben and 10 chicks 2 to 3 weeks old in grass at roadside. 6:30.A.H. Han and 3 chicks 5 to 6 weeks old.at roadside. 6:20 A.M. One chick (cock), approximately 12 weeks of age, flushed into a clover field. 5:00 mm. Ben and 10 chicks, 1+ to 5 weeks old. at swamp edge. Another hen 50 feet from the brood. Eight chicks 5 weeks old with hen and cock at swamp edge. Cock and lO chicks 7 to 8 weeks old ob- served flying north across Dexter Trail. The birds were followed and flushed from a hayfield. Cock appeared to be taking the place of the hen. Brood No. 7 10 11 Date June 19 Aug. 26 July 20 June 22 July 23 hme22 July 13 July 28 July 21 June 25 June 29 July 28 Aug. 3 36 Observations 5:10 P.M. Ben and 9 plus chicks, approxi- mately 2 weeks old, at roadside and edge of a pasture and plowed field. Could not fly. One measured 8.5“ shoulder to wing tip. .511 primaries and secondaries present. Three 10 to 11 week old chicks in road. Ran into dense hedge. 6:30 P.M. Han and 6 chicks approximately 5 weeks old flushed from idle field. 6: 3o P.M. Ben and 3 chicks 5 to 6 weeks old in road. 8:00 A.M. Ben and 10 chicks approximately 9 to 10 weeks old. 7:15 A.M. Nine chicks approximately 3 to N weeks old in field at roadside. “:30 P.M. Three chicks, no hen. Age approximately 6 weeks. 7:00 P.M. J"ive chicks approximately 8 weeks of age in roadside near drainage ditch. Three chicks 9 weeks of age. 7:00 P.M. Hen with metal band and 15 chicks 3 weeks of age were observed at roadside. One highway kill of same age collected by L. Eberhardt. 6:16 1.11. Banded ban and 15 chicks 3 weeks old. 11:30 A.M. Han and 11 plus chicks 8 to 9 weeks old. 7:20 AeM. Ten plus chicks 9 to 10 weeks old, 3 identified as cocks. The birds were observed scattered out in a freshly mowed hayfield. When approached they flew in all directions. Maximum flight was about 200 yards. Brood No. 13 1% 15 16 17 Date July 7 July 11 July 12 July 22 July 26 July 28 July 12 Aug. 9 Aug. 15 July 22 July 22 July 25 37 Observations 7:30 P.M. Han and 7 chicks 6 weeks old crossing road. 8:30 A.M. Hen bearing yellow band #2hl and 1” chicks 5 to 6 weeks old observed in brush at roadside, flushed to wheat- field. 7:30 P.M. Four chicks 5 to 6 weeks old in roads 6:00 P.M. Hen with yellow band and 1} chicks 6 to 7 weeks old flew into wheat- field. Iifteen chicks 8 weeks old in wheatfield edge. Three chicks approximately 8 weeks old observed flying from a large elm tree into wheatfield. A wet morning. #:30 P.M. Ben and 4 chicks 7 weeks old in edge of an alfalfa field. 10:00 A.M. Han and 3 chicks approxi- mately 8 weeks old flushed from road- side, flew about 250 yards into corn- field. 7:30 P.M. Two chicks 8 to 9 weeks old flushed from roadside. Flew into hedge- row north of the road. 6:00 A.M. Four chicks M to 5 weeks old flushed from road to grain field. 6:30 1.14. Hen and 16 chicks 9 weeks old. Ben was banded on left leg with a red celluloid band. Nine male chicks and 7 female. This brood was followed for M5 minutes until all birds dispersed into the marsh. This might be a com- bination of broods. 8:30 1.x. Twelve plus chicks 9 to 10 weeks old in road. Males turning red. Seven males and 5 females. Brood No. 18 19 2O 21 22 23 2” Date Aug. Aug. July Aug. July July July July July July 15 17 23 11 26 26 27 1h 28 38 Observations Twenty-two chicks approximately 11 weeks old, easily distinguishable as to sex. Nine cocks. no hen, at least not observed. 8:30 A.M. Four chicks, 11 weeks old. Two cocks and 2 hens observed in road. 9:00 A.M. Three chicks, 2 cocks and 1 female 11 weeks old observed in woods edge, flushed south across road on approach. Ben and 8 chicks approximately 8 weeks old observed in the road. Ben and 9 chicks 9 to 10 weeks old. Four cocks and 5 hens flushed about 50 yards north of road near low area surrounding Ewers Lake. They dispersed in all direc- tions. 5:30 A.M. Six chicks approximately 7 weeks old observed in farmyard. Hen and 12 plus chicks observed by a farmer in the area. Age of chicks estimated at 6 to 8 weeks. Han and 10 plus chicks observed by farmer in his barnyard. Age approximately 1 to 2 weeks old. A.pheasant nest under observation by Mr. Mac Cabs contained 15 eggs. Thirteen were hatched on the lush of July and left the nest. The hen and brood have not been Observed in the area since. Two unhatched eggs were destroyed later by some animal. Eleven plus chicks approximately 7 to 8 weeks old and hen were observed crossing the williamstonRoad. Four chicks about 10 weeks old, one male and 3 hens were observed.for 15 minutes. flushed into roadside swamp. Brood No. 25 26 27 28 30 Date Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. 17 28 20 23 22 26 39 Observations 10:30 A.M. Four chicks approximately 8 weeks old observed in apple trees adjacent to abandoned farmyard. These pheasants flushed to a hedgerow approximately 50 yards from the orchard. 8:20 1.24. Eight chicks, 5 males and 1+ females 10 to 11 weeks old. Cocks easily discernible observed at roadside, followed the brood to the east over an embankment. The brood flushed and dispersed in a dense woods. Hen. no band. and 17 chicks 11 to 12 weeks old observed 200 yards east of Ewers Road feeding along edge of cornfield. Before the brood could be approached, a farm deg flumhed the birds into the cornfield. at least 3 of the brood were cocks. 7:25 1.x. Eleven plus chicks 11 to 12 weeks old feeding east of Byers Road. Birds fed in stubble for 20 minutes. Five of the chicks were identified as cocks. 6:10 A.M. Two chicks. 1 cock and 1 hen 10 to 11 weeks old observed in road. Flushed to a garden near a farmyard. 7:05 1.x. Six chicks 10 to 11 weeks old. Two identified as cocks. Observed in hay- field. followed for #5 minutes. The chicks kept ahead of the observer, gradually dis- persed in woods after becoming nervous at too close approach. 7:00 A.“. Observed hen, blue celluloid band on right leg and aluminum band on left leg, with brood of 6 chicks 8 to 9 weeks old. Brood crossing road into swamp from west to east. Attanpted to follow but lost brood in dense vegetation. 9:00 A.M. Three plus chicks. No hen. Two cocks and 1 hen positively identified as to sex, 8 to 9 weeks old. Observed in middle of pasture, when first observed brood was entering a patch of corn adjoin- ing a woods. Brood No. Date Observations 31 Aug. 26 8:90 A.M. Observed lone cock, chick in road 12 weeks of age. No sign of brood mates were seen. The bird flushed into adjoining swamp. 32 Aug. 28 10:30 A.M. Observed a large brood 13 plus chicks. 10 to 11 weeks of age fly- ing from edge of buckwheat field south into swamp. 1The observation was not made near enough to the flushing point to determine exact number or sex. Evidence of the presence of more than 1 brood in this area has been seen during the summer in the form of pheasant tracks and from observation of a State Game Farm employee. The extreme density of the cover and the nature of the surroundings have made obser- vations in this immediate area very difficult. #1 Miscellaneous Observations Adult Cocks: Two adult cocks fighting at south margin of freshly plowed field, now a buckwheat field. The cocks fought for about two minutes. then one drove the other northeast across field to a hedgerow. When the pursued cock reached the hedgerow, the pursuer ran back to the swamp. Relationship to other animals: On four occasions pheasant chicks were seen sporting with young rabbits. each time early in the morning. The chicks would Jump at the rabbit. The rabbit would kick at and hep away from the chicks. Mortalities: On June 25, Brood No. 12, one highway mortality. On June 29. Brood No. 2h. one highway kill, cock 10 weeks old. On August 28 at Seven Gables Road by old barn north.of'Re1ease Site #1, an immature Marsh Hawk was observed flying into a tree on west side of road in front of the barn. The hawk seemed reluctant to leave its perch, and upon investigation a pheasant chick was found at the spot from which the hawk had been flushed. The chick was still warm. Its head was missing, the wings had been partly plucked and a two and one- half inch hole had been made from under the right wing into the viscera. It was raining and no cars had passed on the road. E0 observation of a brood this age in the vicinity has been recorded. June 28: a hen. Band No. 102 yellow celluloid. alluminum Band No. 118789. April release, was found on Meridian Road 500 feet from State Highway 36, killed by a car. Cock Crowipg: Two different cocks were heard crowing on Seven Gables Road near Release Site #1. and southwest of Release Site {‘1 at 7:30 A.M.. June 16. 1‘hese were the only crowing cocks heard during June, July and August 1949. 1+2 Brood l 2 m~io~mru \D 10 11 12 13 ll!» 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 Estimated Hatching Period of Broods Observed on The Dansville State Game Area - l9h9 Approximate Hatchingfkeriod May 29 - June M June 5 - June 11 May 22 ~ May 28 May 15 - May 21 May 29 - June M May 15 - May 21 June 5 - June 11 June 12 - June 18 May 15 - May 21 May 29 - June M May 15 - May 27 June 5 - June 11 May 22 - May 28 May 29 - June M May 22 - May 28 June 19 — June 25 May 15 - May 21 May 22 - May 28 June 5 - June 11 June 5 - June 11 July 17 - June 23 July 1“ by actual observation Approximate Incubation Period May 5 - May 28 May 16 - June 8 May 2 - May 25 April 25 - May 18 May 6 - May 29 April 22 - May 15 May 12 - June 5 May 2N - June 12 April 28 - May 15 May 7 - May 29 April 26 - May 15 May 12 - June 5 May 3 - May 22 May 8 - June 2 April 29 - May at May 30 - June 22 April 2h - May 18 May 3 - May 27 May 15 - June 8 May 15 - June 8 June 23 - July 17 June 21 - July 1h h} Brood Approximate Hatching Period Approximate Incubation Period 23 2n 25 26 27 as 29 3o 31 32 May 29 - June 1 May 5 - May 29 May 15 - May 21 April 26 - May 15 June 5 - June 11 May 1h - June 5 May 22 - May 28 May 1 - May 2“ May 22 - May 28 April 30 - May 23 June 5 - June 11 May 16 - June 8 June 19 - June 25 May 30 - June 22 June 26 - July 2 June 6 - June 28 May 29 - June M May 8 - June 1 June 12 - June 18 May 2N - June 16 Other vertebrates observed while making the brood study were: Sylvilggus floridanus mearnsii (Cottontail Rabbit)-186 Sciurus 3153; (Fox Squirre1)-6 222223722112 (Red Fox)-1 Odocoileus virginianus (White-tail Deer)-2 Colinus virginianus (Adult Bob-white)-23 Bob-white hen and 12 chicks Circus cyggeus (Marsh Hawk)-19 Accipiter cooperii (Cooper's ank)-2 Buteo figmaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk)-26 Buteo lineatus (Red-shouldered Hawk)-8 Accipiter striatus (Sharp-shinned Hawk)-2 ThamnOphis gp. (Garter Snake)-3 Coluber ggnstrictor (Blue Bacer)-18 l+5 Brood Sizes - 19h9 1. Average brood size for each Observation based on 58 records was 7.87 chicks. 2. Average size of complete broods based on 21 observations was 10.”. 3. Average brood size for all observations: a. One-quarter grown. l to 3 weeks old: 11.7 chicks per brood based on 9 observations. b. One-half grown. 3 to 6 weeks old: 6 chicks per brood based on 13 observations. c. Three-quarters grown. 6 to 9 weeks old: 7.5 chicks per brood based on 18 observations. M. Average size of complete broods by one-quarter grown, one-half grown. three-quarters grown and full grown: a. One-quarter grown, 1 to 3 weeks old: 12 chicks per complete brood based on 6 observations. b. One-half grown. 3 to 6 weeks old: 10.2 chicks per complete brood based on M observations. c. Three-quarters grown. 6 to 9 weeks old: 10.3 chicks per complete brood based on 8 observations. d. Full grown, 10 to 12 weeks old: 9.2 chicks per complete brood based on 8 observations. Sex Ratio in Broods Where The Sex was Distinguishable Brood No. Male Sex Ratio Female 3 1 1 17 9 13 2h 1 3 26 a h 18 5 28 1 1 7 1 2 TOTAL 22 1M:1.3F 29 Brood Sizes - 1950 1. Average brood size for each observation based on 90 records was 6.0 chicks. 2. Average size of complete broods based on 36 observations‘was 9.9 chicks. 3. Average brood.size for all observations: a. One-quarter grown, 1 to 3 weeks old: 5 chicks per brood based on 2 observations. b. One-half grown, 3 to 6 weeks old: h.h chicks per brood based on 13 observations. c. Three-quarters grown. 6 to 9 weeks old: 5.75 chicks per brood based on 37 observations. d. Full grown. 9 to 16 weeks old. Average 7.3 chicks per brood based on 38 obser- vations. h. Average size of complete broods by one-quarter grown. one-half grown. three-quarters grown and full grown: a. One-quarter grown. 1 to 3 weeks old: 8 chicks per complete brood based on 1 observation. b. One-half grown, 3 to 6 weeks old: 8 chicks per complete brood based on 3 observations. c. Three—quarters grown. 6 to 9 weeks old: 10.2 chicks per complete brood based on 12 observations. d. Full grown, 10 to 12 weeks old: 10.2 chicks per complete brood based on 20 observations. A summary of brood observations is presented in Tables 11 and 12. Brood locations are shown in Figures 7 and VI. “7 TABLE 11 COMPARISON OF ALL BROOD OBSERVATIONS Age 19u9 1950 Average brood size per observation 7.9 6.0 I I ' ' complete brood 10.” 9-9 I I I ' one-quarter grown 11.7 5-0 I I ' ' one-half grown 6.0 h.h I “ " ' three-quarters grown 7.5 5-7 - n n I full grown 7.1 7.3 Lone hens 8.0 12.0 TABLE 12 COMPARISON OF OBSERVATIONS OF COMPLETE BROODS Average brood size per one-quarter grown 12.0 8.0 I ' ' ' one-half grown 10.2 8.0 ' ' ' “ three-quarters grown 10.3 10.2 0 ' ' ' full grown 9.2 10.2‘ I"Believed due to combining of broods H8 3% 03:5 32:98 25:: 9.52 a no Ssooq noosm 0 mm a w oZuouJ ww._.z:ou 23.62. mZ_O Ufa 20:.(>Kun200 k0 EUEEUO 2(9192 ‘ {I fliv‘il h ”9 5TH“?! 3333 ocean O 0235 “9.5 Mooo .H. and seesaw .a .sssesseen .A an come no gnawed was .33. .043. 93.36 washouno 33.5 mm no usouusoen H» ensues 3235 2.52.. 9.62 a 12.238 3152. (Mad. H.520 mchm UJJ_>mZ_O ”EU ZO_F(>INWZOU no ENEEHD Z<0.In¥§ 5O Hatching Dates Hatching dates for the two years were estimated from brood observa- ti one and from age determination (by primary wing-molt) of pheasants of the year killed during hunting season. A comparison of hatching dates for the two years follows in Table 13. TABLE 13 APPROXIMATE HATCHING nuns or menu]: moons - 1919 11m 1950 Date 19149 1950 May 7-13 114-20 6 21-27 6 2 28-June 3 6 3 L10 7 7 11-17 2 2 18.21: 2 8 25-July 1 1 2 2-8 0 11 9—15 1 2 16.22 1 23-29 30-Dec- 5 2 TOTALS 32 32 51 A.graphic comparison of the distribution of the 1999 Dansville hatching dates as determined by wing-molt and brood data appear in Fig. VII. Hatching distribution of Prairie Farm pheasants is summarized in Table 15 and shown graphically in Fig. VIII. Hatching distribution from 1950 brood data from the Prairie Farm and Dansville are shown graphically in Fig. Ix and summarized in Table 16. TABLE 1h HATCHING DATES 0F DANSVILLE PHEASAIC‘T BROODS 1939-1950 19kg ‘7I550 Sight Hunting Season Sight Date Records Wing-Molt‘ Records Ma: 7-13 1n.20 6 5 21-27 6 12 2 28-June 3 6 11 3 h-10 7 12 7 11-17 2 7 2 18-2h 2 6 8 25-July 1 1 2 2—8 h h 9-15 1 3 2 16.22 1 23.29 30-Aug. 5 2 2 6-12 _____. ...... TOTALS 32 62 32 I'Data taken from notes of L. L. Eberhardt 53 TABLE 15 HATCHING DATES OF PRAIRIE FARM PHEASANT BROODS 19149-1950" 19N9 1950 Sight Hunting Season Sight Date Records Wing-Molt Records May 7-13 lh—ZO 2 21-27 11 28-June 3 3O n.10 3 29 1 11-17 6 18 2 18-2u 1h 13 8 25—July 1 6 6 5 2—8 1 2 5 9-15 7 5 16-22 3 23.29 1 30-Aus- 5 5 1 6.12 ______ _____ ______ TOTALS 30 127 27 'Prairie Farm data taken.from field notes of L. L. Eberhardt TABLE 16 SOME PHEASANT BROOD HATCHING DATES - 1950 ====== :=—===== 1’— Dats Prairie Farm‘ Dansville Fennville“I Tuscola Co.‘ Ingham Co.’ May 7-13 lit—20 21-27 2 28-June 3 3 1 1 1 Jam L10 1 7 3 3 11-17 2 2 h 6 11 18-2h 8 8 7 9 10 25-July 1 5 2 7 11 9 July 2-3 5 l: 2 1: 2 9-15 5 2 1 2 16.22 1 23-29 1 30-Aug. 5 1 2 6-12 _____ l _____ _____ TOTALS 27 32 27 35 36 *Data taken from field notes of L. L. Eberhardt 10 *fiaV‘ “(-13 55 Figure VII Comparison of Dansville Hatching Distributions No. of Broods No. Birds Aged by Wing-Molt 1959 ——‘ DEDB71119 Hatching Date Distribution Dansville Hatching Date Distribution from Wing-Molt Age Determination | l l j I I ‘ June July Aug. 19-20 21-27 28-3 h.10 11-17 18-9h 95-1 9.2 0-1a 16-99 91.90 zn-s 6-19 19 18 17 16 15 1h 13 12 ll 10 38 32- 3C. 2H 23 20 id 16 117 1 No. of Broods or No. of Birds Aged by Wing-Molt N Figure VIII 56 Comparison of Prairie Farm Hatching Distributions 1999 ____ Hatching Distribution Determined ‘ by Brood Observations on the Prairie Farm — Hatching Distribution Determined by Pheasants Aged by Wing-Molt during Hunting Season on the Prairie Farm Ma ’ June Jul A.‘. 7‘i3 19-20 21-27 28“} “-10 11-17 lS-Ph 95-? 9-2 0-1: 1K_99 01 on 128: K 16 13 12 11 10 0 Figure I! V 57 Comparison of Dansville and Prairie Farm Hatching Distributions No. of Broods 1950 —~—— Prairie l'arm Hatching Date Distribution Dansville Hatching Date \ 4 Distribution / ‘ /\ / A / \ I I I I I I I j 11 I s 1 May 7-13 Jline 7 my Aug. 11+.20 21-27 228-} L10 11-17 18-2». 25-1 2-8 9-15 16-22 23-29 30-5 6-12 58 No definite trend in brood size was evident for either year. how- ever, in l9h9 the size of complete broods tended to get smaller as the season progressed. This trend was reversed in 1950 when size of com- plete broods grew larger. The l9h9 data from the Dansville area.show a peak in hatching during the first week in June (Fig. VII). Age data from field obser- vation of broods and from wing-molt age determinations are in approxi- mate agreement as to hatching distribution up to July. In 1999 brood data from the Prairie Farm Show a peak in hatching about two weeks later than Dansville. Ages determined from wing-molt stage coincides with the June “-10 hatching peak at Dansville and agrees with the second small peak in hatching July 9-15 (see Fig. VIII). 59 PHEASANT HUN'EI NG SEASON STUDIES 1999 AND 1950 Method of Study During the 19N9 pheasant season the Dansville State Game Area was checked by five Michigan State College wildlife management students. Transportation. interview forms and authority were furnished by the Game Division of the Department of Conservation. During mornings two check stations were maintained on main exit routes while three workers patrolled the area interviewing hunters and examining their bag. In the afternoon. with more hunters leaving, four checking stations were maintained. It was estimated that 80 percent of the hunters were inter- viewed. Hunters were asked about game taken, game observed. and their opinion of hunting conditions and game abundance as compared with the previOus year. Pheasants were examined as to length of bursa of fabricius, if present. to determine birds of the year. The length of spur was measured as Juvenile spurs are usually under 12 mm. in length and adult Spurs over 13 mm. The length of the newest primary was measured on Juvenile pheasants for this measurement will give their age in weeks. Most of the Juvenile birds taken during the Michigan hunting season are from 16 to 26 weeks old. After the close of the pheasant season. 38 farmers living adJacent to the Game Area were interviewed. Persons interviewed gave information 60 regarding the location where pheasants were bagged, when they were taken and other pertinent information. During the 1950 pheasant hunting season two checking stations were maintained at exit road intersections each day by college students work- ing part time for the Game Division. Approximately 75 percent of those hunting on the area were interviewed. Information requested was the same as that in 1999. Farmers living adjacent to the Game Area were not interviewed in 1950. Comparison of the 1999 and 1950 Pheasant Seasons Hunting season data show a 65 percent increase in the number of hunters in the 22—day 1950 pheasant season over the l6-day season in 19h9. During the longer 1950 season the number of hours hunted was 68 percent higher than in 1999, 20 percent fewer wild pheasants were taken. Sixtybfour banded pheasants were taken in 1999, while 71 banded birds were bagged in 1950. Because pheasants were released before each year's hunting season in varying amounts and at different times, the released pheasants taken will be considered separately in the section on released pheasants. In 1999, 3.5 pheasants were bagged per 100 gun hours whereas in 1950 only 1.7 pheasants were taken for the same effort. The decrease in hunter success was probably due to the 68 percent increase in effort at a location where the game supply was approximately the same. Hunting season data are summarized in Tables 17 and 18. 61 oncogene Sutoamm commode.» oson .3380... m s an mm Aeaarv m o u do Assessev omma m mm m: Aeaarv season secede m mm o: Assasosv mama m.mm .mma mam» HFH.H a.ms she am: mma n.s~ s3 emu con o.ms emu Hma.a awn 0.0m .mm :nmn gem coma a.ma swan momm woe season eoeoHo_ mm con man one m.mH .a: awn mam a.ma .mm swan man mama mass mama mmmnmmmnmm: J Lam swam Wmsmem.m:mmss U. mums mnmm mumm.m.ummnumm 4x 1. 1.1. are 8 ass... as”. amines :s Qm mu Wu Wu Nu m w w w w condom. cam cnfi ccfi can use. no.3.se: use: can use; new use: can lillllll" H g omma nae mama Emma: hm <93 zomflmm ozHazbm ”9.3me an Hausa 62 TABLE 18 HUNTING SEASON DATA Pheasants Hours Birds Birds No. Hours Pheasants Taken Observed Per Per Per Year Hunters Hunted Wild Banded Cocks Hens Bird 100 hrs. Hunter 1999 708 2.305 82 6“ 333 339 28 3.5 .115 1950 1.171 3.879 65 71 600 581 60 1.7 .055 Other things being equal the amount of game observed on the same area per unit of hunting effort during different years is a fair indi- cator of relative pOpulation densities. During the 1999 pheasant season 29 pheasants were observed for each 100 hours of hunting. whereas 30 pheasants per 100 hours effort were seen in 1950. The observation of about the same number of pheasants each year is an indication that approxi- mately the same number were available to hunters both years. Pheasant observations for the two hunting seasons are summarized in Table 19. TABLE 19 HUNTING SEASON PHEASANT OBSERVATIONS 1999 AND 1950 ~.—— —— Observed per Cocks Hens Sex Ratio 100 hours Cocks and Hens 1959 333 339 98M:100r 29 672 1950 600 581 103M:lOOF 30 1181 63 It is supposed that the ratio of adult to Juvenile pheasants in any given year is a good indicator of production of young that year. No age data are available from Dansville in 1950; however. Ingham County data taken from Conservation Department files show a hunting season age ratio of 12 Juveniles to one adult. Because Ingham County. as a whole. is fair pheasant habitat while Dansville is relatively poor. the age ratio for 1950 was probably somewhat lower, possibly around 8 or 9 Juveniles to one adult. In 1998 the Dansville hunting season age ratio was 1.25 Juveniles to one adult, indicating very poor reproduction. In 19M9 the hunting season age ratio was 8.3 Juveniles to one adult, showing good production. This increase was probably the start of the Dansville pheasant comeback, along with the rest of the state. from the low years of l9k5, 1996 and 1997. A summary of age ratio data is as follows in Table 20. TABLE 20 HUNTING SEASON AGE RATIOS W Age 1950 1999 19% Juveniles No data 66 15 Adults Ingham County 9 12 1:12 Unknown Age 6 11 Adult:Juveniles 1:8.3 1:1.25 Data from the post-season interview of farmers living adJacent to the game area show that 65 unbanded pheasants and 10 banded pheasants were taken on or adJacent to the study area. These pheasants were taken by the resident families or their relatives and friends and had not been previously reported. These data were not included in the yearly hunting comparisons as such information as actual number of hunters, hours hunted. game observed and other routine information could not be remembered by individuals so long after the hunts were completed. State-wide hunting season records and data from other sample areas, such as Rose Lake Wildlife Ekperiment Station, show that the maJority of the pheasants are taken on the first few days of the hunting season. After the first day even such excellent pheasant covers as Pelee Island reach a point of diminishing returns when considerable time must be spent in hunting to bag a pheasant. In l9h9. 60 percent of all pheasants were taken the first week end, 23 percent the second week end. In 1950 approxi- mately 70 percent of the entire season kill was taken.the first week end. In all cases banded game-farm pheasants were taken at a.faster rate than wild birds, indicating that the former are more vulnerable to hunting. Kill distribution and relative vulnerability to hunting pressure of wild pheasants and game-farm pheasants are summarized in Table 21. 55 TABLE 21 COMPARISON 0r HILL DISTRIBUTION AND VULNERABILIT! BNTwssN wILD AND HANDED PHEASANTS l9h9 AND 1950 HUNTING SEASONS Banded 1st Percent 2nd Percent 3rd Percent nth Percent or Week of Meek of Week of Week of Year wild End Total‘ End Total' End Total’ End Total. wild #9 59.8 25 30.6 8 9.6 1959 Closed Season Banded no 62.5 22 3u.u 2 3.1 wild 35 53.8 17 26.2 h 6.2 9 13.85 1950 Banded 61 . 85.9 8 11.3 0 O 2 2.8 'Season total Loss of Crippled Pheasants Crippling loss has not been considered in the hunting season data. .Accurate information regarding this loss was not collected at Dansville during 1999 and 1950. Detailed hunter report cards at the Rose Lake Wildlife Experiment Station show an average crippling loss of 22 percent over a period of 11 years. Rose Lake terrain and pheasant population are more nearly similar to that of Dansville than any other sample area where data are available. It is believed that the loss of crippled pheasants is a function of the particular game bird involved and human capabilities and therefore relatively uniform from area to area and year to year. It will be mentioned here that any complete kill calcuLation should involve an allowance for the loss of crippled pheasants. Such an allowance was not made in final analysis of the pheasant bags for 19M9 and 1950 at Dansville. ,o— A.’-' v 66 It has been estimated that approximately 80 percent of the hunters _ " were contacted during 1999 and 1950. In a final pOpulation analysis the data should be expanded from 80 to 100 in order for figures to repre- sent the true pheasant situation. Comparison with Hunting Data from Other Areas A comparison of the l9h9 and 1950 pheasant season data from Dans- ville with similar data from the Prairie Farm, Bose Lake, and the pheasant range as a whole, show the following: Hunter success was about the same at Rose Lake in 1950 and in 1999, but considerably better at the Prairie Farm in 1950 than in 19M9. In 1950 success was poorer at Dansville and for the Michigan pheasant range as a whole. Ihe yearly trend compared in these areas might be confused by the extremely high gun pressure at Rose Lake, by a change in crOpping procedure at the Prairie Farm or from some unknown factor. Rose Lake and the Dansville area are similar in that their hunter success is consistently poorer than that of the Prairie Farm or the pheasant range as a whole. This. of course, is to be expected because both areas have a high percentage of poor land and are sub-marginal pheasant range. Comparative data are presented in Table 22. TABLE 22 67 PHEASAET SEASON DATA, DANSVILLE PRAIRIE FARM AND ROSE LAKE Hunter Success Hours Pheasants Bird No. Hours Pheasants Taken Per Per Per .Area Year Hunters Hunted Banded Wild All Bird‘ 100 Hours'. Hunter* Rose 19h9 19u8 5079 2 t 73 69.5 1.h .oh Lake 1950 1802 M716 2 7h 76 6h.0 1.1 .oh Prairie 19u9 853 2985 - 155 155 19.3 5.2 .18 Farm 1950 635 2306 - 216 216 10.7 9.h .3u Dansville 19kg 708 2305 6h 82 1n6 28.0 3.5 .12 1950 1171 3879 71 65 136 59.0 1.7 .055 Southern 1919 3581+ 10,657 - 937 937 10.8 9.3 .27 Michigan 1950 2907 98h7 - 728 728 13.5 7.k .25 ‘Wild only 68 PHEASANT POPULATION STUDY WINTER 191+9-1950 AND mums 1950—1951 Census During two winters the Dansville area was systematically cruised on foot to obtain as much information as possible about the pheasant pOpulation. Attempts were made to do field work after fresh mow in order to track pheasants. During the winter of 19N9 and 1950 observations of 329 hens and 15h cocks were made. An estimate of the winter population. based on location of observations and size of observations, was 81 cocks and 167 hens. In the winter of 1950 and 1951, 378 hens and 18“ cocks were seen. It was estimated that the winter pOpulation was approximately 90 cocks and 202 hens; 9 cocks and 35 hens more than the previous year. Track observations indicated that the pheasants were distributed over all the area but fewer were nearer the center. Winter population data are summarized in Table 23. mm 23 ESTIMATED WINTER PHEASANT POPULATIONS Cocks per Hens per Cocks & Hens Year Cocks Hens Sex ratio 100 acres 100 acres per 100 acres 19h9.1950 81 167 1L8M:lOOl' 1.8 3.7 5.5 1950-1951 90 202 M14300? 2.0 h.5 6.5 69 Predators and Mortality f Fox—den sites were examined from time to time during b0th.winters but no evidence of use was found. However, most of the dens were exca- vated in the fall of 19H9. Fourteen sets of fox traCks were followed during the two winters. The foxes caught mice and a rabbit but did not bother any game birds. One hen pheasant was found dead near trap No. 6. Two hens were killed by dogs near trap site #3. Live Trapping During the summer of 19M9 four standard small game traps were pro- cured from The Rose Lake Wildlife Experiment Station and four lilybtype pheasant traps were constructed. The traps were baited with half ears of dried corn as well as shelled kernel corn. Tins of water with small perforations in the bottom were placed on tap of the traps so that the water dripped slowly into a small container below. In all cases, pheasants had been seen more than once in the immediate area where the traps were set. Traps were set during the period May 7-26. for 12 days or a total of 96 trap days. No pheasants were caught. Trappigg Record: Number of traps - 8; Bait - corn and dripping water. Trapping¥Stations #1 - Dexter Trail. Set 5-6-h9. (Brush at edge of Marsh) Location: 28-lh—2-SW. Catch - O #2 - Dexter Trail. Set 5-6-149. (Brush in Marsh) Location: 28-1h-1-sw. Catch - 0 *3 - Seven Gables Road. Set 5-7-h9. (Briers at edge of Marsh) Location: 33-8-1-53. Catch - O 70 #h - Seven Gables Road. Set 5-7-h9. (Briers at edge of Marsh) "5 Location: 33-7-N-NW. Catch - 0 #1 - Potter Road. Lily trap. Set 5—7-h9 Location: 32-2-u-SW. Catch — O #2 - Meridian.Road. Lily trap. Set 5-7-99 Location: 29-5-h-SE. Catch - 0 #3 - Dexter Trail. Lily trap. Set 5-7-u9 Location: 28-11-2-NE. Catch - O #h - Seven Gables Road. Lily trap. Set 5-7—h9 Location: 33-7-2-SW. Catch - 0 More successful winter trapping was carried on from January 5, 1950 to March M, 1950, a total of 38 days. The traps were constructed after plans of the Standard 'Ohio' or double “Lily“ type trap. In all trap- ping operations corn was used as bait. The traps were left Open and baited for three weeks prior to the start of actual trapping. Traps were left Open two days after each.five-day trapping period to allow pheasants to become familiar with sites. Four traps were Open for 15 days and 7 traps for 23 days for a total of 161 trap days. Eleven pheasants were trapped, tail-clipped and banded with regular metal bands and with two white bands. A twelfth bird was caught but escaped through an Opening at the edge of the trap entrance. Three birds were caught twice. Of two hens killed by dogs, one was found inside and one outside of trap #3. Dogs visited all traps at least six times and two traps were visited at least every day that there was snow to leave tracks. The lack of snow and the thin distribution of the pheasants during the early part of the trapping period might be considered reasons for the poor catch. The bait was constantly eaten by rabbits, squirrels 71 and songbirds. Pheasant tracks were seen at all trap sites each day after '5 February 23. The reason for failure to catch more pheasants when fairly large flocks were known to frequent the trap sites, sepecially in the case of sites 1, 2, 6 and 7. has not been determined. A quail was found dead (almost completely eaten) in trap #1. It was thought that at least 30 birds should be trapped in order to have a high enough proportion of | marked birds to use a Lincoln index from observation in the following spring. Trap locations are shown in Figures 1 and XI. 72 J‘O} mesa Mom caaoqsum Anv mess on? has . :9. :33:— 1.1.. OZUOMJ um528 2362. (Mad. m2<0 Mchm m|_|:>m2_0 U3 20233900 to ...ZUIEENO Z538 25102. m2.o u2¢wnzou uo EuEEEun 21210.2 7n STUDY OF RELEASED PHEASANTS Method of Release On April 2, 1949, 161+ pheasants (150 hens and 11+ males, two of which were a mutant white strain) were released in the Dansville State Game Area. The pheasants were loaded in crates and transported to the release areas by truck. Releases were as follows: (1) Forty hens and four cocks, one of which was a white mutant. were released at 11:00 A.M. on the seven Gables Road designated as re- lease point #1 (Map reference 3u-5-2-SW). 1511 pheasants were banded with aluminum bands. Hens were banded with one yellow celluloid band and cocks with a white celluloid band on each leg. Cocks and hens were painted on the throat. breast, back. scapular and secondary feathers with eosin dye. The purpose of the dye was for identifying birds in the field and to aid in determining mortalities. The pheasants were hand- released. The majority of the birds flew into a corn stubble field or a sedge marsh to the east. (2) Forty hens and three cocks marked with blue numbered celluloid band and malachite green dye were released at approximately 12:30 P.M. in the same fashion at release site designated as #2. The site is approximately “00 yards east of the north and south road, bordering section 2 on the west (Map reference 2—5-l-SE). Idle land and lowland of oak, hickory and elm to the east and north received most of the birds. 75 (3) Forty hens and 3 cocks, one cook a white mutant, were released 7 at approximately 1:30 P.M. and marked with numbered red and yellow celluloid bands. Cocks were marked with two white bands. This area was on Dexter Trail and was designated as #3. The birds were painted with eosin dye and released approximately 200 yards south of Dexter Trail (Map reference 28-1N-l-NW). Wooded swamp, idle land and general crapland dominate this site. (9) Thirty hens and four cocks were released on Potter Road in section 5 (Map reference 5-2-l-HE). These pheasants were painted with malachite green dye, and banded with plain white celluloid bands. The cocks were banded with white celluloid bands on each leg. The release site was mainly idle land, sedge swamp and oak woods. The method of determining the fate of the released birds was to observe their actions with glasses and to follow them£till they roosted for the first night. After the day of release a concentrated search, first of the immediate area, then of the adjacent areas. was made. The hunt'was conducted by systematically gridding the area at intervals of approximately 10 feet. From April 3 to June N, 19h9, approximately 70 man hours were spent in gridding areas surrounding the release sites. Approximately 375 man hours were spent in cruising the four release areas and areas adjacent to them. Observations of mortalities, birds flushed, predators and any item of significance were noted during the gridding and cruising. All mortalities that were found were marked by a three-foot stake painted a light grey. A“ 76 Fate of Released Pheasants Twelve percent of the pheasants were recovered as mortalities during the first seven weeks (see Table 3 in appendix). Considering the extremely heavy vegetative cover on the Dansville area it is quite reasonable to presume that many additional pheasants died shortly after release. Re- leased pheasants were not observed after seven weeks, though wild cocks were. None of the crowing cocks identified were from this group of marked pheasants. Wild cocks were repeatedly observed and on territories established in the immediate area of the release points. No change in territories was noted and although the same wild cocks were observed throughout the spring, released pheasants vanished. Pheasants were found as mortalities as close a few yards to as far away as a mile from the point where they were released. The average distance from the release point to where they were found dead was approxi- mately 500 yards. The pheasants tended to band together for the two days. thereafter they gradually separated. The released pheasants in many cases appeared dazed and did not flush as readily as wild pheasants. On August 31, l9h9. 200 game-farm cock pheasants were released on the area: 100 were hatched from game-farm eggs and in addition to regular metal leg bands were marked with numbered yellow bands, 100 were hatched from wild pheasant eggs and had affixed unnumbered red bands. Ten each of the above described birds were released at 10 release sites (see Table M in appendix). The release was part of a larger similar release made by _ -..-rmsu-H‘ : ‘. 77 the Game Division for the purpose of determining relative hardiness and f resistance to hunting pressure of pheasants from game-farm strains and from the wild strains. Twenty-two cocks hatched from wild eggs were shot or found dead and 18 cocks from game-farm eggs were bagged (see Table 5 in appendix). The difference between the ”hunting take“ of the two strains is insignifi- cant. Due to the lack of data the distance from release point to'where the birds were taken is not known. The Michigan Department of Conservation released 200 cock pheasants on the Dansville area August 31, 19M9 and 200 more September 8, 1950. The l9h9 release was ”5 days before the hunting season, the 1950 plant- ing was 33 days before hunting season. The kill of banded‘birds in 19N9 was 6N, and 71 in 1950. It is possible that predators, during the longer period before hunting season, took a heavier toll of released pheasants in l9h9 or that due to increased hunting pressure in 1950 more marked birds were bagged. 78 PREDATOR STUDY. 19h9-1950 Spring and Summer l9h9 Observations of dens and predators were made while searching the area for released pheasants. Additional observations were made while traversing portions of the study area for the express purpose of obtain! ing such data. Approximately 50 man hours were spent in this manner. [2333..All dens discovered on the area were closely examined for odor, tracks and other signs of occupancy. Three showed signs of use. Pox tracks and odor were observed at one of these dens (location: 33-N-2ANE). The carcass of a hen pheasant, band #116909, was found about 75 feet SW from.this den. in the marsh grass. One red fox pup was observed on April 9 near the Opening of another den (location: 3h-12-2-SE). A cluster of pheasant feathers was found in the grass at the edge of a field. (3M-M—l-SE). approximately 25 feet north of a den under the root system of a large windfall. A trail of feathers led to the den and bones and feathers were found in the opening. Eosin dye on the feathers identified the kill as a released bird. No bands were found. Nests. Approximately 30 man hours were spent cruising the woods looking for hawk and owl nests, but none was found. Bands of released birds had been found in several red-tailed hawk nests and on the ground underneath them. but none of these nests were occupied in 19N9. 79 Mammal Predators Red Fox (vulpgs fulva). An adult red fox was observed on April 3 about 300 yards SW of release point #1 on Seven Gables Road, at approxi- mately 7:00 P.M. As mentioned above. one fox pup was discovered at the Opening of a den (3N—l2-2-SE) on April 9 by several part-time student employees while gridding this section of woods. The pup was handed and released at the same spot. Later, on April 16, a fox trail was found winding through upland and lowland woods in the same vicinity. 1‘ light snow had fallen the previous night. facilitating tracking in the woods; however, rapid melting in the fields prevented further tracking. The red fox is a well known predator of pheasants and it is quite likely that the foxes ranging throughout these areas have accounted for some of the mortalities which have been discovered and some which have not. In many cases only the tell-tale dyed feathers were found. indicat- ing that the carcass was devoured on the spot or carried off by a bird or mammal. The red fox. though chiefly nocturnal, often ventures out during the day. especially in the late mom ing and in the early evening. Al-- though primarily carnivorous. feeding chiefly on small manmals. the fox also takes berries and fruit in season. According to Pearce (19N5). foxes take their greatest toll of male birds in the spring, while later, when nesting is underway, they catch more hens. He believes the crowing behavior of the cooks attracts the fox. 80 Raccoon (Procyon lotor). Tracks of this species were observed along the west side of Seven Gables Road (33-l-l-E-Q, 33-1-9-l-g, 33-8-1-1-5 and 33-8-u-3-g) and in sandy areas nearby on April 16. Another raccoon trail was found along the fence row (28-10-2-W g, 28-10-3-W-Q, 28-15—2-V-5 and 28-15-3—W g) east of release point #3 on Dexter Trail on the 26th of April. On May 6 raccoon tracks were seen in the muck at the edge of the marsh (33-15-5-HE) near the end of Seven Gables Road. Leedy and Hicks (19M5) recOgnize the raccoon as a predator of the pheasant in Ohio. but believe that such predation is relatively unim- portant. Pearce (19h5) found the same to be true in New York and New England. House Cat (Felis domesticus) and Dog (Canis familiaris). Three cats were seen on the study area at various times. All appeared to be hunting. Two dogs were observed in a field (28—10-2) on May 1”. In Ohio, Leedy and Hicks (19N5) found that cats and dOgs were re- sponsible for more pheasant losses than were natural predators. Young pheasants and incubating hens appear to be especially vulnerable to these animals. Weasel (Mustela frenata). Mortality #5 (Table 3 in appendix, page 135) contained a-g inch slit underneath the left wing, indicating a possible weasel kill. 81 Birds of Prey ”' Hawks and Owls. A red-tailed hawk (Buteo meaicensis) was seen in a tree bordering Williamston.Boad (3h-lO-3-NE) on April 17. It flew when approached, heading towards the nearby woods. It was harassed by two crows. Another observation was made of a red-tailed hawk on May 20 in a tree a short distance from release point #1 (38-8-h—NW). Several crows kept diving at it and finally it flew, with one of the crows in pursuit. A red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) was seen perched in a tree at the edge of Potter Road (29-lu-1-NE) on April 30. When approached it took off and was harassed by a crow as it flew over the woods. Two hawks, believed to be either red-tailed or red-shouldered. were observed flying high over release point #1 (3N—H) on May 7. One was being chased by two crows. Another pair, unidentified, flew very high.over Ewers Lake (3-u-2) on May 13. Marsh hawks (Circus cyaneus) were observed consistently throughout the study. 1heywere seen at many points in the study area. Pairs were seen very often at the following locations (5-1-1, 28-12—1, and 33-7-1) and it is quite possible they nested in these areas. Inspection of red-tailed hawks' nests after previous releases of game-farm-reared pheasants, has revealed remains of carcasses and bands of the birds (Black1 - verbal testimony). The evidence seems to indicate that this particular species will take a pheasant when the opportunity 1Black. 0. T. - Game Biologist, Rose Lake Wildlife Experiment Station 82 arises. The red-shouldered hawk is not apt to take an adult bird, but may capture a young one. Marsh hawks normally have not been known to take adult birds, but do prey on the young. The great horned owl (BE 2 virginianus), COOper's hawk (Accipiter coopgrii), and goshawk (Accipiter gpptilis) are known predators of pheasants. None of these species were observed in the study area. However, in 19h9 two students from Michigan State College advised that they had Observed a horned owl Just before dusk in the area. Horned Owls were often heard during early mornings. Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) were observed consistently through- out the area. The crow is known to be destructive to pheasants during the nesting season, when eggs and young are taken. tall and Winter, 1989-1950 On September 15 a survey of known animal dens was made in the Game Area to determine which were active and deserving offurther investiga- tion. Most of the dens appeared old and unused. Six dens were selected for further investigation. Only one den showed evidence of pheasant predation.whichwwas as follows: Den.#3 was located on a south slaps, (S-f, HUN}, 33.}, Section 33). The den was 16 feet in length and approximately 8 inches in diameter. It was tunneled through soft sandy loam. Pheasant feathers were Observed at the mouth of the den. Upon excavation complete skeletal remains of a cock pheasant released two weeks previously were found. The leg bands, both celluloid and metal, were intact. The rest of the carcass had been 33 consumed; only feathers, bones and bands remained. No conclusive evidence as to the species of animal that had entered the den with the pheasant was found. Interview with Local Trgper. On September 28. 191+9. Mr. Gordie Barker, a resident near the Dansville state Game Area who has trapped and hunted fox intensively, was interviewed. He stated that in ‘pril. l9’+8 he and a companion attempted to dig out a fox den located on a south slope (SB }, S]: k, W }. Section 32 T 2N, HID) approximately one-eighth of a mile southwest of Hewes Lake. The den was known to con- tain fox pups. Due to soft sand and the caving in of the tunnel the excavating was discontinued, but subsequently Mr. Barker trapped six young foxes near the den. In April, 19148, 1’4 fox pups were trapped by Mr. Barker at a den by a drainage ditch. (location: I 2' S] i, m: é, Section 2, T 21!, HIE). Eight fox pups were trapped at the above den site in the spring of 1947. Ten fox pups and two adult s, male and female, were trapped at a den site (located in the SW }, NV i. SW &, Section 35, T 2H. HIE) in the spring of 1948. Two adult foxes were shot by Mr. Barker in the SE } of Section 33. T 2N, HIE during the winter of 19117448. Mr. Barker definitely recalled that eight adult foxes have been shot, running ahead of dogs, by other hunters. It is probable that most of these foxes were not residents of the game area. but were only foraging there or chased in by dogs. A total of 32 fox pups was trapped by Mr. Barker in the gem area during 1987, 1988 and 1919. Four adult foxes were trapped during the same period of time. Ten adult foxes were shot in the area from 19% 8H to 19M9, and from 8 to 10 adults were observed but not taken during 1988 and l9h9. .Animal carcasses or other remains observed in den mouths or near dens were two freshly killed weasels at one den mouth, raccoon carcasses at two different dens (probably highway kills) and four newly killed cock pheasants at another den. Other remains at various densin- cluded skunks, meadow mice, domestic chickens, pheasants, rabbits, squirrels and unidentified parts of small birds and mammals. 85 EVALUATION OF THE DANSVILLE AREA AS PHEASANT HABITAT Food and Cover Food-habits studies of pheasants in the lake states area show that the primary vegetable foods are: Egg ngg (cultivated corn), Ambrosia elatior (ragweed). Symplocarpus foetidus (skunk cabbage), 11313 pp. (wild grape), Arena sativa (cultivated oats), spercus pp. (oak), Sambucus pp. (elderberry), Fagopyrum sagittatum (cultivated buckwheat), ngppg_gp. (wild cherry), Triticum aestivum (wheat). Solanum pp. (night- shade), Setaria pp. (fox-tail),§£p§ pp. (Sumac), Arctium pp. (burdock), Glypine M55 (soybean) and 925333 pp. (dogwood). Twenty-five to fifty percent of pheasant diets was made up of corn (Martin, Zim, and Nelson, 1951). The Dansville area has a good supply of all of the above listed foods except corn, ragweed, oats. buckwheat, soybeans and wheat. The shortage is in farm crops, especially grains. .A share—cropping and food- patch prOgram was and is being carried out on the study area. This type of program is limited by funds and the topography of the area. some of the cleared land is not level enough for herbaceous develOpment without danger of erosion. A large portion of the area is a centrally located lowlamd.woods and marsh which offers excellent year around cover for pheasants, but very little winter food. The perimeter of thetarea is fringed by private farms. The spatial cover distribution is one of excellent cover and little farm crap food in the center with more farm crop food and reduced cover around the outer edge. 86 The Dansville area has only half as much acreage in farm crOps as adjacent lands, only one-sixth as much as typical farmland within three miles of the area, and one-tenth as much as the Prairie Farm. The cover analysis of the Dansville area is summarized in Table 2“. TABLE 2h PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION OF COVER TYPES OF THREE.AREAS Area Grassland Cropland Woodland Swampland Total Dansville Area no 78:5 27.2 2h.3 lOO Adjacent Land 60.2 1 .0 7.9 lu.9 100 Prairie FarmT’ 10.0 89:9 10.0 -—-- lOO Typical Farm Area‘ 37.6 5929. 9.3 3.1 100 l"Analysis of 1000 acres within three miles of the Dansville area +B10uch, R. I. and Eberhardt, L. L. Paper presented at 15th Midwest Wildlife Conference 1953. Grassland and Woodland percentages are approximate The 15N common higher plants collected on the Dansville area (see appendix Table 6) have been checked for food value to pheasants by Martin, Zim, and Nelson (1951). It was found that 5“ percent of the shrubs and 31 percent of the herbs were used in varying amounts as food by pheasants in the I'Lake States" area. Use for food by pheasants of plants collected on the Dansville area are as follows in Table 25. 37 TABLE 25 PERCENT OF TOTAL PLANTS COLLECTED AT DANSVILLE FOUND IN PHEASANT DIETS IN NORTHEAST UNITED STATES Percent of Diet 0 - §%* § - 2% 2 - 5% 5 - 10% 10 - 25% N0. Plants Shrubs h5.7 3u.3 8.6 2.8 8.6 35 Herbs 69 22.5 6 2.5 0 119 I"Most of these were not represented in the diet (Martin, Zim and Nelson, 1951) 88 DISCUSSION OF THE DANSVILLE PHEASANT POPULATION 1989-1950 Iran the crowing cock study, the spring pOpulation of male pheasants was determined to be H2 in l9h9 and 70 in 1950, an increase of 66 percent. The spring sex ratio was 6hM:lOOP in 19M9 and h3M:lOOI in 1950. It was not known.for either summer what percent of the total broods had been located, but considering complete searching efforts each year it is esti- mated that at least 80 percent of the broods‘ump located. If the brood number for each year is expanded from 80 to 100 percent, than in both l9h9 and 1950 there were approximately “0 broods reared on the Dansville area. In 19h9 the ayerage size of complete full-grown broods was 9.2 chicks. If NO broods were reared, then 368 chicks was the 19h9 pheasant production, half of which were cocks. When the chicks are added to the breeding pOpulation, (H2 cocks and 66 hens based on a sex ratio of one cock to 1.56 hens) the total pro-season pOpulation of wild pheasants was “76 pheasants (226 cocks and 250 hens). In addition 200 game-farm cocks were released. making the total number 676 pheasants. The 19h9 pro-hunt- ing season pheasant pOpulation is summarized in Table 26. 89 TABLE 26 ESTIMATED PHEASANT POPULATION BASED ON POPULATION STUDIES JILL - 19u9 W:— ‘1 No. Pheasants Birds per acre .Acres per bird Cocks (wild) 226 .05 19.9 Cocks (released) 200 .011 22.5 Hens ' 250 .05 18.0 Total (wild) )+76 .10 9.1: 111 Pheasants 676 .15 6.6 In 1950 the average size of complete full-grown broods was 10.2 chicks; however, this number is believed to be higher than the true situation because the average size of all broods seen in 1950 was lower thdn in l9h9. Brood sizes were reported largermas the summer progressed instead of smaller; this might have been due to the merging of broods (see Tables 11 and 12). As the average size of three-quarter grown complete broods was about the same for both years, the average size of complete full-grown broods in 19N9 was used both years in com- puting pheasant production. The 1950 chick production would be no broods times 9.2 or 368 chicks, one half of which'would be cocks. The breeding population (70 cocks and 162 hens) added to the number of chicks give a 1950 pro-season pOpulation of 600 pheasants. In addition 200 game-farm pheasants were released, making a total pro-hunting season population of 800 pheasants. The 1950 pre-season pheasant pOpulation is summarized in Table 27. 9O r1311 27 ESTIMATED PHEASANT POPULATION BASED ON POPULATION STUDIES TALL - 1950 = 7:“ No. Pheasants Birds per acre Acres per bird Cocks (wild) 25k .056 17.7 Cocks (released) 200 .0M 22.5 Hens 3M6 .077 13.0 Total (wild) 600 .133 7.5 .111 Pheasants 800 .177 5.6 It was estimated that at least 80 percent of the hunters were inter- viewed during the two years. Expanding the kill from 80 to 100 percent would yield a bag of 103 wild cocks and 80 game-farm cocks in 1949, where- as 81 wild cocks and 89 banded cocks were taken in 1950. Farmers and their friends living next to the area took 65 wild pheasants and 10 gas-fan: pheasants, either on the Dansville area or immediately adjacent to it. This addition give an estimated pheasant bag in 19149 of 168 wild and 90 banded cocks. Farmers were not interviewed in 1950. However, it is be- lieved that their bag would be about the same percent of total that it was in 1949, that is, 63 percent of the wild bag and 12 percent of the game-farm pheasant kill. Adding these percentages to the 1950 bag gives a 1950 total kill of 132 wild and 100 game-farm cocks. The estimated pheasant bag per 100 acres was 5.7 in 1939 and 5.1 in 1950. A summary of the estimated total pheasant kill during the two years is given in Table 28. 91 IABLB 28 remains TOTAL PHRASANT 310 AND KILL PER 100 ACRES - 19kg AND 1950 W Game-farm Wild .All Total kill pheasants pheasants pheasants 19N9 258 2.0 3.7 5.7 1950 232 2.2 2.9 5.1 a.method of pheasant inventory based on kill records and sex ratios (Allen l9h2) was used to compare data with inventory estimates based on the population studies. The expanded kill figures used in the calcula- tions were estimates. The calculations are presented in Table 29. TABLE 29 92 CALCULATION 01' PHEASANT NUMBES AT DANSVILLE ‘ BASED ON SEX RATIO AND HUNTING BAG Pheasants flushed opening day lMSM:75P Sex ratio l97M:lOOP Cocks killed per 100 acres 5.7 Pheasants flushed last three days of the hunting season 26Mz59r Sex ratio huuz1oor Percent cocks surviving hhxloo = 22 197 Percent cocks killed 100-22 : 78 Pre—season population per 100 acres Cocks Hens Total Post-season population per 100 acres Cocks Hens"l Total‘ Pro-season cock population per 100 acres minus 150* released game-farm cocks 5.1x100 . 7,2 78 1. 2x100 = 8. 8 81 15.0 7. 2.5.7 = 1.5 8.8 10.3 7.2xh5-150 : 17h Ulla-1&5 2 ”.0 32314: 1813‘ 17814: 1001' 5.1 36uz5or 72M:1001 [21100 = "-0 178 ioo-ho 60 5. 11300 3 g. 5 8.5x100 g h,7 178 13.2 3. 5-5. 1 : 3.1; u.7 8.1 8-5IM5-150 : 232 2329h5 = 5.1 'Does not include the kill of hens during the hunting season. This method does not include crippling loss. 93 Calculations based on differences in sex ratio of pheasants flushed at the start and at the end of the season show 18 percent more of total cocks surviving the hunting season in 1950. This is possible as more birds were seen per hour during 1950 and more time was spent hunting, whereas fewer*were shot (see Table 19). Differences in pOpulation numbers as estimated, and.as calculated from sex ratio difference during the hunting season, are as follows (Table 30): TABLE 30 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ESTIMATED.AND CALCULATED DANSVILLE PHEASANT mass. 199 AND 1950 19% 1950 Calculated Estimated Calculated Estimated Pro-season populations per 100 acres Cocks 7.2 9.0 8.5 9.0 sans 8.8 5.0 u.7 7.7 Total 15.0 15.0 13.2 17.7 Wild cocks 8.0 5.0 5.1 5.6 Poet-;::;:n population 1.5 3.3 3.u u.u Hens 8.8 5.0 M.7 7.7 Total 10.3 8.3 8.1 12.1 Because of the very light hunting on the Dansville area during the last few days of the season during both years, it is quite possible that false pictures of the sex ratios were obtained each year. In addition, the kill should be known and not estimated. 91+ The winter census (Table 23). although possibly too low, was more in agreement with the l9h9 calculated post-season cock pOpulation and with the estimated hen number. In 1950 the winter census was more in agreement with the calculated pOpulation. Of course both calculated and estimated pOpulation figures would tend to be higher than a winter census because of the crippling loss in cocks and the regular non-hunting mortality of both sexes that reduces the pOpulation each day. 95 FINDINGS Growing Cock Study In all weather conditions and times before and after sunrise where sufficient data were available, the percent increase in crowing frequen- cies of 1950 over 1999 was substantial enough to be considered signifi- cant and in keeping with the 66 percent increase in the cock population. The higher counts at Dansville were in accord with a 39 percent increase in crowing index throughout Michigan pheasant range. Growing frequencies were significantly higher at temperatures above 39°. Higher crowing frequencies were recorded when the wind velocity was below 16 miles per hour. Preliminary experiment with crowing counts showed that little or no crowing was done during inclement weather. Summer Brood Studies In view of a 66 percent increase in the breeding cock population and a #1 percent increase in hens, it might have been expected that a similar increase in brood production would have taken place. This, however, was not the case as the same number of broods was located each year. Pheasant broods were for the most part larger in l9h9 than in 1950. There were 1.9 more pheasant chicks observed per brood in l9h9 than in 1950. In 1999 the size of complete broods tended to get smaller as the season progressed. The apposite was true in 1950 when the size of complete broods grew larger. One more chick per complete full-grown brood was observed in 1950 than in 19h9. I Isafiislofihy 5.... w/ . V 96 In 19N9 data.from the Dansville area show a peak in hatching during the first two weeks in June (Fig. VII). Age data from field observation of breeds and from wing-molt age determination are in approximate agree- ment as to hatching distribution up to July. The hatching distribution, as determined by fall wing-molt, shows another small peak occurring during the first week in July. a week earlier than when a second peak occurs as shown by brood data. During 1999 brood data from the Prairie Farm show a peak in hatching about two weeks later than at Dansville; however. data from wing-molt determined ages coincide with the June 4 - 10 hatching peak at Dansville and also agree with the second small peak in hatching July 9 - 15 (see Fig. VIII). In 1950 three hatching date peaks. June u - lo, 18 - 2n and July 2 - 8. were obtained from brood age data. The second and third hatching peaks coincide with the June 18 - 2k and July 2 - 8 peaks on the Prairie Farm. Hunting Seasons - 19h9 and 1950 A.longer hunting season, more hunters and increased hunting effort harvested 20 percent fewer pheasants in 1950 than in 1999. Approximately the same number of pheasants were observed for each 100 hours of hunting time for both years; however, only one-third as many were seen per 100 hours as were observed on average Michigan pheasant range. The sex ratio was about the same in 19h9 and 1950. During each hunting season approximately as many cocks were observed as hens. The 97 proportion of hens to cocks was low both years compared to all Michigan pheasant range which was 67 cocks to 100 hens. The ratio of Juvenile pheasants to adults increased greatly in 1999, and apparently increased a little in 1950. In both 19M9 and 1950 most of the pheasants were taken during the first week of the season. Released game-farm birds were taken earlier in the season than were wild pheasants. The Dansville area hunting season data followed the state-wide trend of poorer hunting success in 1950 than in 19h9. .At Rose Lake hunting success remained the same for both years whereas at the Prairie Farm hunting success was higher in 1950. “any hunters expressed the opinion that hunting conditions were more difficult in 1950 than they were the previous year. Winter Population Studies Winter census efforts of the same magnitude showed an increase of .2 cocks and .8 hens per hundred acres in 1950-1951. An attempt to live-trap pheasants during the summer of 19M9 and winter 19h9-1950 failed. The winter trapping entailed the expenditure of many days work with only 12 pheasants taken. Predator investigations carried out incidental to census work showed the dog to be the only apparent offender. Other evidence of predation was not found. 98 Study of Released Pheasants ; Twelve percent of the 19M9 spring release were recovered as mortal- ities during the first seven weeks. There were 12 suspected mortalities where remains offered no proof that the pheasant was one of those released. Marked game-farm pheasants were not observed after seven weeks though wild birds were observed each day. However, four hens of the group released H were observed with broods during the following spring. Another leg-banded hen was observed with a brood. but she was from a previous release of game- farm pheasants. None of the cocks were taken during the following hunting ‘X’Ios season. Mortalities of released pheasants were found at distances of only a few yards from the release site to one mile away. For the first few days the game-farm birds appeared dazed and not alert enough to escape preda- tors. There was no significant difference in the number of game—farm and wild-strain pheasants shot in 19M9. Predator Study It is presumed that the Dansville area has representatives of all predator species common to southern Michigan. Remains of pheasants were found around four dens known to have been used by foxes. During the summer brood study a marsh hawk was observed eating a freshly killed pheasant chick. Stray dogs were known to have killed three pheasants near trapping sites. .An interview with Mr. Cordie Barker. a resident near the Dansville area. revealed that foxes were common to the area and that approximately 50 foxes had been taken during the period of 19M? to 19H9. 99 Evaluation of Dansville Habitat The Dansville area has a good supply of fruits of woody plants and herbs that make up the diet of pheasants in the “Great Lakes statesI area. but is lacking in cultivated grains. other farm crops. and fields of good herbaceous cover for nesting. A.large central portion has ade- quate cover and food but poor interspersion of these necessities. The Dansville area has only half as many farm crops as adjacent lands, only one—sixth as much as farmlands nearby and one-tenth as much as recognized good.pheasant range such as the Prairie Farm. There are few suitable sites for the establishment of supplemental patches of food and herbaceous cover in the central part of the Dansville area. Discussion of the Pheasant Population lstimatedlpre-hunting season pheasant pOpulation figures were com- pared with numbers obtained from a.calculated inventory method using the difference between the sex ratio of pheasants flushed at the start of the season and those flushed at the end of the season plus the known kill (Allen 1992). The pre and post-hunting season population. as cal- culated from the change in sex ratio and the kill, was higher in 1999 than in 1950. The population as estimated was higher in 1950 (see Table 30). Calculations indicate that 18 percent more cocks survived the 1950 hunting season than in 1999. .‘ lOO CONCDUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Growing Cock Study An accurate spring census of cock pheasants can be made on areas similar in size and topography to the Dansville area using the intersec- tion of crowing directions to locate birds in their crowing territories. This method involves less time and effort than the actual “following up“ of crowing pheasants. In this study crowing cocks were "followed upI to verify locations established by crowing directions. The findings were that pheasants were heard crowing more when tem- peratures were above 39° and when the wind was below 16 miles per hour. Therefors when a spring cock pheasant census, utilizing intersection of crowing directions is to be made on an area, it is quite important that the work be done during a time of optimum crowing conditions. If direc- tions and counts are taken when a maximum of crowing is being done more complete sets of directions are available and crowing counts more nearly represent the entire population. Census work done under these near ideal conditions would. of course, require less time and effort to obtain an accurate cock population figure. Summer Brood Studies The reasons for the size of complete broods increasing as the summer progressed in 1950 are not clear. It might have been due to the merging of smaller broods causing abnormally large flocks for that late in the summer. 101 Hatching of pheasant chicks progressed about the same at Dansville as on other areas during 19M9. In 1950 a gap in the hatching curve during June 11 - 17 indicated no hatching or a loss of broods hatched during that period. This is a possible partial explanation for the failure of the larger 1950 breeding pOpulation to produce more broods than were found in 19119. Smaller peaks during July 2 - 8 and July 30 - August 5 for both theIDansville area and the Prairie Farm probably repre- sent renestings. Dansville data for both l9h9 and 1950 show no single peak in hatchp ing data distribution as is characteristic for the Prairie Penn and other sample areas. 1'his might be due to the fact that the Dansville area is relatively small and broods might tend to be I'on and off' the area during the time when the study was being made. The surrounding farms might have enticed broods of the study area with their larger supply of food. ”he Prairie Farm and other places considered. are better pheasant habitat, larger in area. and brood data were gathered over a smaller period of time. It has been shown that a higher breeding population does not neces- sarily mean more pheasants in terms of more broods or larger broods. Therefore managers of game areas should make every effort to establish routine brood study routes covering the entire area concerned. If in- formation on brood number and size approaching 100 percent is obtained reasonably early in the summer, the biologist can accurately state the number of pheasants avilable for shooting in the fall. ‘1’! (‘1- 102 Hunting Seasons - 19N9 and 1950 The decrease in hunter success in 1950 was due to the increase in hunting pressure when only the same number of pheasants was available. Pheasants observed per 100 hours of hunting were about the same each year indicating very similar fall populations. Only one-third as many pheasants were seen per 100 hours of hunting during both years as were observed on average Michigan pheasant range. This indicates a relatively lowijpulation at the Dansville area for both years. The ratio of hens was low both seasons as compared to the rest of Michigan pheasant range. A lower proportion of hens to cocks does not seem favorable to produc- tivity when it is compared with that of all the pheasant range. The ratio of juvenile pheasants to adults increased greatly in 1999, and apparently again in 1950. indicating that, along with the rest of the state. the Dansville pheasants were on their way to pOpulation recovery. Most of the pheasants were taken the first week of the season and released game-farm birds were more vulnerable to hunting than were wild pheasants. This suggests that possibly the season length might be ex- tended on pheasants as a point where the shooting is poor is soon reached. Such a situation limits the number of hunters to but a small fraction of those hunting on opening day. Pheasant Trapping Pheasant trapping is not practical on areas with a relatively low pheasant population and good cover. 103 Study of Released Pheasants Field studies indicate that the l9h9 spring release of 14 cocks and 150 hens were for the most part lost during the summer. None of the cocks were found in the hunting harvest in the fall. However, four of the hens were observed with broods during the following spring and summer. In view of the fact that it is thought that most of the broods and hens were located the hen survival was approximately 3 percent. The higher kill (71) of game-farm pheasants in 1950 over that (6N) of 19M9 might have been due to the:fact that in 1950 the pheasants were released 8 days later enabling hunters to bag more of the birds before they fell to predators. In addition, the increased length of the season and more hunting effort probably contributed to the higher kill of re- leased birds in 1950. It is doubtful if the few pheasants produced by game-farm hens and the additional cocks taken from the summer releases were worth the cost of raising them at the game farm. Predator Investigation During the study no evidence was found to indicate that predators were a limiting factor on the Dansville area. It is possible that inci- dental predator control, i.e. fox hunting, raccoon hunting and the occa- sional killing of hawks and owls, reduced the predator population on the Dansville area. This is known to be true in the case of foxes. High game populations do not exist at Dansville and therefore predators are not particularly attracted to the area. “—"ln LL, 10h Evaluation of Habitat The soils, vegatative cover, and tapography of the Dansville area are typical of areas that are relatively poor pheasant range. However, pheasants are present and due to the extensive cover can hardly be 'shot out“. Because the pheasant is a much desired game bird and 'good pheasant range“ open to hunting is not plentiful it is felt that pheasant manage- ment is justified on such places as the Dansville area. Food patches of corn and buckwheat, one to two acres in size, seeded to cover craps should be maintained in the center of the area in as many sites as are suitable. Larger plots of permanent meadow such as alfalfa and brome should be established as near the central parts of the area as possible. Present open areas should be maintained, and cutting done in areas that were open and are now growing up to brush. The addition of grains and field nesting cover should increase the use by pheasants of the central portion of the area for nesting and the rearing of broods, and in turn increase the pheasant carrying capacity of the Dansville 81'an Discussion of the Pheasant Population The differences in the results of the two pheasant inventory esti- mates, based on (1) field studies and (2) sex ratio change plus the kill, indicates that it is not safe to rely on incomplete data for computing pOpulations. In this case the actual pOpulation was not known but was estimated. The kill figure was expanded from known data, estimated to be 80 percent of total, to 100 percent. On an area of approximately “ v-n 105 ’£500 acres a summer brood census would be adequate for establishing an 1' accurate pre-season pOpulation. A post-season and winter census should give population figures with small enough margin of error for a game manager' s purpose. issuer's/l 0 106 SUMMARY (1) The study consisted of (a) an inventory of pheasants during the various seasons, (b) appraisal of habitat resources on the Dansville area and comparison with other areas, (c) an effort to obtain as much informa- tion as possible regarding the hunting harvest, (d) released pheasants, and (e) the study of predator-pheasant relationships. The purpose of the study was to produce conclusions from the data gathered that might be of value in managing an area such as Dansville for pheasants. (2) A crowing cock survey was made during the springs of l9u9 and 1950, first at four sample stations and later at 29 listening stations located throughout the area. In 19N9, M2 crowing cock territories were located while 70 were located in 1950, an increase of 66 percent. In 1950 the four sample areas had a 57 percent increase in crowing frequency per two minute intervals over 1999, while crowings increased 99 percent at the 29 listening stations. State-wide crowing data.showed a 39 per- cent increase. During both years crowing frequencies were generally higher when the temperature was above 39° and when the wind was below 15 miles per hour. Approximately twice as many hens were observed in 1950. (3) The same search effort during l9u9 and in 1950 located 32 pheasant broods for each summer. Two more chicks were seen per brood in l9h9 than were recorded in 1950. The size of complete three-quarter 107 grown broods was the same for each year while complete full-grown broods were larger in 1950. This was believed to be due to the merging of some of the broods in 1950. The distribution of Dansville hatching in 1999 agreed generally with the time distribution of hatching on other areas. In 1950 there was a double peak in hatching frequency indicating no hatching or loss of broods hatched during the period June 11 - 17. (h) During the pheasant season of l9h9 and 1950 hunters at the Dane- ville area were interviewed and their game autopsied. There were 65 per- cent more hunters, 68 percent more hours of hunting, and 20 percent fewer pheasants taken in 1950 than in 1999. More banded game-farm pheasants were taken in 1950, although the same number of pheasants was released during the two years. Approximately the same number of pheasants was observed per 100 hour of hunting for each year. The age ratio was much higher in l9h9 than in l9h8 indicating production increases. Most of the pheasants were taken during the first week of hunting both years. Game-farm-reared.pheasants were taken at a faster rate than.were wild pheasants. Fewer pheasants were shot at Dansville in 1950 than in 19kg as was also the case throughout most of Michigan pheasant range. Hunter success was the same at Rose Lake and better at the Prairie Farm. Hunter success at both Dansville and Rose Lake was poorer both years than at the Prairie Farm. This was expected as the Prairie Fhrm is considered much better pheasant range. “" 108 (5) L.few more pheasants were found on the area in the winter of 1950-1951 than in the previous winter. The only pheasant predation evident was by dogs. Live trapping in the summer and winter caught only 12 pheasants and was not considered to be successful. (6) In the spring of l9h9, 150 hens and 14 cocks were marked and re— leased at four different locations on the study area. Twelve percent of the pheasants were recovered as mortalities during the first seven weeks. Because of the extremely heavy cover it is believed that many more died than were found during this period. Released pheasants were not observed after seven.weeks until the following spring when four hens were found with broods. None of the cocks were taken during the following hunting 8638011. 1'here was no significant difference in the number of wild strain cocks and game-farm cocks killed. an equal number of which were released prior to the hunting season. The higher kill in 1950 over l9h9 of game- farm pheasants released in equal numbers both years was attributed to the fact that the birds were released eight days later and were not subJected to as much predation before the season and also that more hunters spent more hours searching for pheasants. (7) During spring and summer l9u9 and the fall and winter of l9h9- 1950. investigations were made of predators and predation on the study area. Dene were investigated and searches were made for nests of predatory birds. Records were kept of mammalian predators observed and their activities. Dogs were known to have killed three pheasants. some car- 109 cassee and various pheasant remains were found around fox dens. A local trapper stated that about 50 foxes had been taken on the area during the period 191w through 19%. (8) A.comparison of available food for pheasants on the study area with diets common to pheasants in the northeastern United States show that the Dansville area is lacking in farm craps. such as small grains. A large portion of the area is lowland marsh and woods, and upland woods offering good year around cover but little winter food. The area has only half as many farm crops as adjacent lands, one-sixth as much as typical farmland nearby and one-tenth as much as good pheasant range. Fiftybfour percent of the shrubs and 31 percent of the herbs. collected from the higher plants common to the Dansville area. are used for food to some extent by pheasants in the "Lake States“ area. (9) Estimated pre and post-hunting season figures showed a higher pOpulation of pheasants in 1950 over l9u9. The calculated.population. based on change in hunting season sex ratio and pheasant kill. indicated a higher population in l9u9. It was calculated that 18 percent more cocks survived the 1950 hunting season than did in 19kg. (10) An accurate spring census of cocks can be made on areas similar to the Dansville game range. The crowing cock census takes less time and effort than actually locating the birds. When the crowing census is made the work should be done under optimum crowing conditions so as to obtain more complete sets of directions which will more nearly represent the entire pOpulation. 110 (ll) A.possib1e explanation for the failure of the larger breeding population in 1950 to produce more broods might have been a loss of broods or no hatching for some unknown reason during the period June 9 - 20. 1‘he hatching curve shows a gap for that period. (12) It was shown that a high breeding pOpulation does not necessarily result in more pheasant broods. (13) An accurate brood census is the.most reliable method of determin- ing shootable populations in the fall. (1h) The decrease in hunter success in 1950 was due to the increase in hunting pressure when only the same game supply was available. Only one-third as many pheasants were observed for each 100 hours of hunting during both years as were seen on average Michigan pheasant range, in- dicating a low pheasant pOpulation at Dansville. A.low pr0portion of hens to cocks both years as compared to the rest of Michigan.pheasant range did not seem favorable to productivity; however, the age ratio was greatly in- creased in l9h9 which shows increase in productivity even though it might not compare to that on the better pheasant ranges. (15) It is doubtful if short seasons benefit the pheasant population at Dansville as long as only cocks are shot. Between 65 and 70 percent of the total kill was taken the first week. After the first few days so few pheasants were taken that hunting pheasants for sport or meat was hardly worth while. This situation would automatically limit hunting at the Dansville area. 111 (16) It seems certain that live trapping is not practical on areas having few pheasants and good cover. (17) Few pheasants survived the 19h9 spring release of game-farm birds. More marked pheasants were shot in 1950 probably because of (a) the later release date allowing less time for pre-season predation, and (b) a longer hunting season with more hunting effort. It is doubtful if the increase in the hunting harvest due to released game-farm birds is worth rearing costs. (18) There was no evidence that predators were a limiting factor to pheasants at Dansville. (19) Because of the high demand for the pheasant as a game bird and because 'good pheasant range" open to the public is not plentiful, it is thought that pheasant management is Justified on such.public1y owned pheasant range. Management measures suggested were increases in small grains, herbaceous cover, and the maintenance and creation of openings. (20) It was determined that the calculating or estimating of pheasant populations was not reliable, at least when data were incomplete or when some of the figures were estimated. A summer brood census and early winter census are more desirable to determine pre and post-hunting season pheasant numbers on small areas. 112 APPENDIX 113 mH.H .h4 H .a.o mHup m H .3.» oH“~ m H .s.s moi» m H .e.o oona H .s.o mmum m soozua quoohoHH “Hoe m .e.o omum H mH 3m: .e.o mmum om-mH.: sz.zum-m H* ome a H* ohHm oesoHom : emom hooequH H.m .s« w .86 mag m m .a.o oH“~ m m .aé no; a H .s.o ooup m m .s.o mmum m mommue ooeosouhoaoH eoHa H .a.o omum H mm as .e.o none m:.:Hua azaHum-m mu m. .oe H .a.o mH“~ m H a... 2:. m H .a.o none : o .s.o ooua m H .a.u mmnm m nomnne oodogomsous.“ as; H .s.m 09¢ H mm 32 .s.e mouw 943.7: thmum .3 mzmH . Hu oon ooooHom . eoom oheequH moaoz homomvoah eaaa .oz .maoa omaaqsm open doaumooq soaamum .3500 on on“: ommH nz< msmH . mamas seamen mace some «sun ezHaomo muoo H Hands V I.I’s‘. "ll‘ ' u. N. \ . 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No. Time Frequency Notes Station #1 - 19h9 Les-M9 5:38 a.m. mm a) 1 5:33 a.m. 9 A little wind T-38°F 2 5:38 a.m. 1+ interference 3 5:“3 a m. 12 Av. 8.1 ’ L26J+9 5:1+o a.m. ssw 19 1 7:15 a.m 1 . T-57°r Station #1 - 1950 5-5-50 5:28 a.m. SE 23 1 5:30 a.m. 9 A little wind T-SMOF 2 5:35 a.m. 8 interference 3 5:140 a.m. 9 l4 5:”5 a.m. 10 5 5:50 a.m. 2 Av. 9 """"""""""" "§§;ZISQ +2 -‘I§u§ """""" l-b--.26-’49 5:)40 a.m. SSW Z) 1 7:03 a.m. " w-59°F 2 7:09 a.m. fl Av. 3.5 Station #2 - 1950 5-5-50 5:28 a.m. SE 23 1 6:00 a.m. u some wind Elf-5501 2 6:06 a.m. 5 interference 3 6:11 a.m. 1+ ‘4 2:16 a.m. 1+ 5 :21 a.m. % Av. -—-- —————— Station 11‘} :19hé — -- 7"— k26-h9 5:“0 a 11:. SSW 20 1 7:09 a.m. 1 Wind interference ZIP-59°F 2 7: 12 a.m. 2 Av. 131 Wind 8: Count Date Sunrise Temp. No. Time Frequency Notes Station #L-jfig 6:29 a.m. 6:3“ a.m. 6:39 a.m. 6:111). a.m. 3 2 )4 2 6: 1&9 a.m. 5 Av. 3.2 A little wind interference 5-5-50 5:23 a.m. SE21!» r-ssor \J'I-F'UNH 5-31-h9 5:03 a.m. sw 11 1.5903 Av. 3. 2 5-5'50 5:25 a.m. SE 2’4 Wind interference r-57or 14—26-19 5:51 a.m. W 20 Wind interference T-6OOF 05 a.m. 2 10 a.m. 1 :15 a.m. l 20 a.m. O 5 a.m. O 1 :30 a.m. mKJ‘I-F'WNH meemre Wind int e rferenc e n.23.u9 5:5u a.m. w 28 T-%°F 7 a.m. mm :u m I-' 993‘??? .8 11 2 7 6 l4. 7 a.m. E Av. .3 132 Wind & Count Date Sunrise Temp. No. Time Frequency Notes Station #5 - 1950 5-6-50 5:27 a.m. WSW 3O 1 5: 30 a. m. 0 Wind interference T-580F 2 5: 36a h 3 5: M1 a.m. h u 5: #6 a. m. 5 g 5 5:flam 6 - Av. 3.8 5-6-50 5:27 a.m. WSW 30 1 5:57 a.m. 5 Wind interference r-5sor 2 6. 02 a.m. 1 F a 6:07 a.m. 7 6: 12 a.m. 6 5 6:17 a.m. )4: Ar. -_E:6 ' ' Stati6n-;6-:-1-9';+; """"""""""""""""""""" 5-5-h9 5:28 a.m. SW 15 1 6:11 a.m. 8 Fair listening T-68°F Station #6 - 1950 5-10-50 5:22 a.m. W 18 1 5:18 a.m. 9 A.little wind T-h7°F 2 5:23 a.m. 8 interference Av 8.5 -----------------..-..--- 'QZQIISE'HI-Iéifi """""""""""""""""""" 5-19-u9 5:12 a.m. s 18 1 6:20 a.m. 8 T-67OF Station #7 - 1950 5-10—50 5:22 a.m. W 18 1 5:30 a.m. 7 A little wind T-M70F 2 5:35 a.m. 8 interference A1. 7.5 --- _= 'Station #8 - 19kg ........................... 5.19-u9 5:12 a.m. s 21 1 6:31 a.m. 7 A little wind T-670F interference 133 Wind E’ Date Sunrise Temp. Count No. Time Frequency Notes Station #8 - 1950 5-10-50 5:22 a.m. W 18 l 5:“‘4 a.m. 7 Fair listening i-u7°r 2 5:59 a.m. 12 Av. 9.5 — — — — — Stati6n—fi9 : 1353 -- — ............... E%-3l-H9 5:03 a.m. SW 17 1 5:31 a.m. 2 Good listening r-6o°F 2 5:36 a.m. 0 3 5:51 a.m. 2 M 5:56 a.m. a 5 5:53 a.m. A! 2.2 Station #9 - 1350 5-10-50 5:22 a.m. w 18 1 5:56 a.m 3 Fair listening T-h9°r 2 6 01 a.m 9 3 6:06 a m. 10 Ar. 9 ---------- ' "‘éZQZIOII'fiB - 191:9 " ' """""""""" 5-30—h9 #:04 a m. S 10 1 6:00 a m 6 Good listening T-50°F 2 6:05 a m h 3 6:10 a.m 7 M 6:15 a m a 5 6:20 a m Av. -—ET8 Station #10 - 1950 5~28-50 5:05 a.m. N 8 1 5:19 a.m. 6 Good listening r-u9°r 2 5:25 a.m. 7 3 5:29 a.m. E Aw. . ”'"mm’""mm""EEQZISE'EE'Z'E§E§ """""""""""""""" 5-30-149 5 ON a n: S 10 1 5:32 a.m. 3 Good listening T-55°F 2 5:37 a.m. 9 3 5:M2 a.m. M M 5:57 a.m. 2 5 5:53 a.m. é 13M Wind & Count 4—“ T Date Sunrise Temp. No. Time Frequency Notes Station #11 - 1950 5-28-50 5:05 a.m. N 8 1 5:37 a.m. 5 Good listening m-h9°F 2 5:u2 a.m. 7 3 5:)4-7 a.m. 8 AN. ”—676 "W ' " "“s’lailon {12135115 """""""""""""""" 5-3-h9 5:31 a.m. SW 19 1 6:51 a.m. 5 A little wind T-530F interference Station #12 - 1950 5-2-5o 5:32 a.m. ENE 10 1 5:18 a.m. 6 Good listening T-37°F 2 5:23 a.m. 7 3 5:28 a.m. 1 Av. -—%76 " " ' ’ ' $362,313 315% """"""""""""""""" 5-3-M9 5:31 a.m. SW 16 1 6:38 a.m. M Fair listening T—510F Station #13 - 1950 5-2-50 5:32 a.m. ENE 10 1 5:35 a.m. 6 Good listening T-370F 2 5:“0 a.m. 11 3 5:h5 a.m. 1 Ar. 8 - ------------------------ Statign #1u - 13kg - 5-3-h9 5:31 a.m. SW 16 1 7:05 a.m. 8 Fair listening T-53°F Station #1h - 1950 5—2—50 5:32 a.m. ENE 10 1 5:53 a.m. 7 Good listening To37°F 2 5:58 a.m. 11 3 6:03 a.m. 11 AN. 9.7 Wind & Count 135 \a. -Y Date Sunrise Temp. No. Time Frequency Notes Station #15 - ISEQ 5-3—M9 5331 a.m. SW 15 1 7:1“ a.m. 8 Good listening T—53°F Station #15 - 1950 5-u-5o 5:29 a.m. NE 11 1 5:10 a.m. 9 Good listening T—SSOF 2 5:15 a.m. 16 3 5:20 a.m 11 Av. 12 """""""""""" :55; #1333913 ' 5-3—“9 5:31 a.m. SW 16 1 7:22 a.m. 3 Fair listening T-SBOF 5-5-h9 5:28 a.m. 1 5:56 a.m. 2 Wind interference 2 6:01 a.m. 0 Av. 1 Station #16 - 1950 5-h-5o 5:29 a.m. NE 11 1 5:27 a.m. 6 Good listening T-550F 2 5:32 a.m. 8 3 5:37 a.m. 12 Ar. 9 ....................... Station #17 - l§h9 -- --------‘ ‘--- - 5-5-“9 5:28 a.m. SW 2“ 1 6:08 a.m. h Gar interference T-68°F 2 6:13 a.m. 1 and a little wind Av. 2.5 interference Station #17 - 1350 S-M-SO 5329 a.m. NE 11 1 5:“3 a.m. 7 Good listening T-ESOF 2 5:h8 a.m. 8 3 5:53 a.m. 8 AV. 7.? 136 Wind 8:: Count Date Sunrise Temp. No. Time Frequency Notes Station #18 - l9h9 5-27—u9 5:06 a.m. WNW 13 l 5:h0 a.m. o m-u3or 2 5:h5 a.m. 2 3 5:50 a.m. 2 M 5:55 a.m. 1 Av. 1.2 Station #18 - 1950 5-h-50 5:29 a.m. NE 11 1 5:57 a.m. 3 Good listening T-55°F 2 6:02 a.m. 0 3 6:07 a.m. 8 2 AN 3.7 i - —_— —Station #19 - 1943 _ ....................... n-2s-u9 5:38 a.m. n 20 l 6:u7 a.m. 2 .A little wind T—380F 2 2:52 a.m. 2 interference 3 :57 a.m. Ar. 5.} 5-5-“9 5:28 a.m. SW 2% 1 6:3u a.m. 5 Wind interference r-Ssor Station #13 - 1950 5—8—50 5:21: a m ESE 15 1 5:15 a.m. 5 r—u30F 2 5:20 a.m. 5 3 5:26 a.m. 5 Ar. 5 ' “ ’ "“1221OL'EEB'Z'EEW ‘ h—23.u9 5:38 a m n 20 1 7:11 a.m. 0 A little wind T-380F 2 7:16 a.m. 1 interference 3 7:21 a.m. 1 Av. .66 Station #20 - 1950 5-8-50 5:2h a.m. ESE l5 1 5:33 a.m. T-h30F 2 5:38 a.m. 3 5:“3 a.m. 6 s _.:!’__ AV 0 Date Sunrise Wind & Temp. Count No. Time Frequency 137 Notes mug lent—1+9 n.17-50 u-l7—50 n.23-u9 5-3-u9 5:52 a.m. 5:59 a.m. 5:5M a.m. 5:5h a.m. 5:38 a.m. 5:2h a.m. Station #21 - 1999 ENE 21 T-hoor ENE 21 r-M00F Station w 16 r—5hor w 16 T—560F Station mun-crump- mWF'UNH ONKJl-F'KNNH ONUl-F’UNH #21 - 1950 6:2“ a.m. 6:29 a.m. 6:3” a.m. 6:39 a.m. 6: 1“" a.m. 6:“9 a.m. 7:01 a.m. 7:06 a.m. 7:12 a.m. 7:17 a.m. 7:22 a.m. 7:27 a.m. #22 - 19h9 NE 20 r-3sor NE 9 r-uaor 1 2 3 “NH 7:3M a.m. 7:39 a.m. 7:14” a.m. qxs~si t3tfi!§ 9 9 a e D o 5 o QWWU O‘t-F' Av. .qutdxn.=' 5n 5.: 3i Aw. .A little wind interference A little wind interference A little wind interference A little wind interference Good listening n.” w. 138 Wind & Count Date Sunrise Temp. No. Time Frequency Notes Station #22 - 1950 5—12-50 5:19 a.m. SW 1% 1 5:17 a.m. N Fair listening r-h9oF 2 5:22 a.m. 7 3 5:27 a.m. 8 5-7-h9 5:25 a.m. 5-8-h9 5:2” a.m. 5-l2-50 5:19 a.m. 6-1-h9 ”:03 a.m. 5-29-50 5:09 a.m. 5-23—“9 5:09 a.m. Station #23 : 19M9 NE 19 1 6:33 a.m. T—Mgor NE 9 1 6:38 a.m. T-M3°F 2 6:“3 a.m. 3 6:98 a.m. Station #23 - 1950 SW 1“ l 5:3N a.m. T-M9OF 2 5:39 a.m. 3 5:Mh a.m. SE 17 1 5:55 a.m. T-5M0F 2 :00 a.m. 3 6 05 a.m M 6:10 a m 5 6. 15 a.m §tation #2“ - 1950 ENE 8 l T-590F 2 3 5:10 a.m. sw l5 1 6:20 a.m. 5-53or 2 6:25 a.m. 3 6:30 a.m. M 6:35 a.m. 5 6: a.m. Station #25 - 1959f— 23km“) 0 Ar. A little wind interference Good listening Fair listen ing A little wind interference Good listening Fair listening .vmy _ ' LA‘. 139 Date Sunrise Wind & Temp. Count No. Time Frequency Notes 5-29-50 5:0h a.m. Station #25 - 1950 5 Good listening 5—23—“9 5:09 a.m. ENE 8 1 5:21 a.m 2.590? 2 5:26 a.m 3 5:31 a.m — Station #26 - 19N9 WSW 1h 1 5:50 a.m. T-approx. 2 5:55 a.m. 60°F 3 6:00 a.m. M 6:05 a.m. 5 6:10 a.m. Station #26 - 1950 3 .1... Av. 5 E g Good listening ; 5 f 5 2 I’ Aw. E.2 5—23-50 5:09 a.m. W 8 1 u:h8 a.m. 7 Good listening T—580F 2 h:53 a.m. 9 3 h:58 a.m. 10 Ar. 8.6 —7— Station #27 - 19u9 — —— _ “ 5-28-“9 5:05 a.m. NNW 12 1 6:17 a.m. 6 No interference T—hO°F 2 6:22 a.m. 2 3 6: 27 a.m. 14 Ar. 5 Station #27 - 1950 5-23-50 5:09 a.m. W 8 1 5:05 a.m. 1” No interference T-580F 2 5:10 a.m. 9 3 5: 15 a. m. 8 ' Ar. 10.3 ........... — Station #28 - 19h9, ___ —---- -6- - n.28-u9 5:38 a.m. r 15 1 5:59 a.m. 0 A little wind T—38°F 2 5:59 a.m. N interference 3 6:0“ a.m. h ‘ Aw. 2.6 1&0 Wind & Count Date Sunrise Temp. No. Time Frequency Notes Station #28 - 1950 5-7-50 5:25 a-m- NEW 15 1 5:19 a.m. 9 A little wind T-Nqu 2 5:25 a.m. 7 interference 3 5:30 a.m. 11 Av. 9 Station #29 - 19h9 5-23-u9 5:09 a.m. wsw 19 1 5: 5 a.m. 7 2.570? 2 5: a.m. 6 3 5:“5 a.m. M Ar. 5.66 Station #29 - 1950 5-25-50 5:h2 a.m. SSE 1h 1 5:32 a.m. in T-67°F 2 5:37 a.m. 9 3 5:”3 a.m. 13 liumber l litl mu} OBSERVATIONS 0F RELEASED BIRDS AND MORTALITIES Mortalities - Area #1 - Seven Gables Road Date April 3 April 3—11 April 3-11 April 6 April 9 April 5 April 11.12 April 23 May 13 Location 314—5443 33-7-2-33 311-54412 33—9-1-sw 33-8-1-51: 31:.me 27—10-h-NI 33-2-l-BW 33- 74-5?! Description remale, yellow band #2011, found dead. A small amount of flesh removed from back. Exact cause unknown. Female, feathers only. Cause of death unknown. Someone had marked previously. Female, many feathers. Possible owl kill. Hen with yellow band *108 and eosin dyed feathers was found killed and mostly eaten. Feathers first ob- served on the road. remains of bird found in edge of woodlot. Cock #118769 found in a dead furrow yards from hedgerow. Head, neck torn open, a three-quarter inch slit under left wing. A.possible weasel kill. White mutant cock found at edge of swale. Cause of death - predator. renal. #118810 - yellow #109. Freshly killed on Williamston Rd. Female. no band, eosin dye on feathers. Found along fence behind barn on Seven Gables Road. Predator unknown. Cock #116909. found near marsh boundary. Carcass intact. found 50 yards from fox den. known to have been occupied re- cently. Fox tracks at den entrance. lh2 Number Date Locat ion Descripti on 10 May 1*: 33-M-l-Sl Female, or females, no bands. Found at edge of field near game trail leading to don with two entrances under windfall. Feathers in field and trail of feathers to den. Feathers and bones around and in opening. No odor. Tracks noted. not identified. 11 April 3.9 33-1-3—sn Female #118791 — yellow #2ho. Snapected Mortalities - Seven Gables Area #1 . Mg Location Description 1 314-541-423 Female. feathers found 2 3h-S-3-SW Female, feathers found 3 311—54-!) Female, feathers found 1|» 314—11-3-83 . Cock, feathers found 5 33-8-st Cock. feathers found 6 33—8-3-SW A Female, feathers found 7 33-8-3-SW Female, feathers found 8 33-8-3-SW Female, feathers found 9 33-7—2-8] Female, feathers found Old Mortalities A number of pheasants were found that appeared to have been dead “ities last fall. These are listed below with their locations. Bones ‘Vere bleached and feathers badly weathered. Host of the carcasses were int act. 11:3 m Location Description 1 33-8-l-FW Female 2 33-8-2-5: Female 3 33-8-3-NW °°°k h 33. 7-1+-“ Female 5 33-7—h-sw Female 6 33- 7-1-33 3' "31° 7 33-1-2-SW 30ml! 8 33-1-3-HW Female. Band #110706 9 33-2-l-SE Female Observations of Released Pheasants Seven Gables Release Area #1 Observations of released birds are listed below as nearly as possible according to date. location and significant remarks. M Date Location Remarks 1 April 2 314-lt-2-FW White Mutant Cook on road. later roosting in brush. 2 April 2 3L5—2-SW Female flushed from sedges. 3 April 2 Unknown Hens flushed only when in danger of being stepped on even when in scanty cover. 14- April 2 Unknown 5 April 2 Unknown 6 April 2 Unknown 7 April 2 Unknown Number 10 ll 13 1h 15 16 17 18 19 Date April 2 April 9 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown April 10 April 10 April 10 May 16 Location 312123.“ 33-3-3-5W Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown 3u-5-3-SE 3u.5-3.s: 3h'5-3-53 33-8-2—SW 1th Remarks Observed white cock on Seven Gables Road. Chased him 20 yards before he flushed. The pheasant flew northeast 100 yards and landed in marsh. Observed wild cock and two released hens. Eosin dye identified. Cock flushed into marsh immediately. Hens ran into marsh. Cock Hen Hen Hen Hen Hen Hen Han Hen Hen Hen. Approached within 3 feet at edge of marsh. Rosin dye visible on back. Flew northwest into swale. Summary of mortalities. possible mortalities, old nortalities, and observations of live released birds in the vicinity of the Seven Gables release site: Mortalities - ll (3 males including 1 white male. Male #116909 probably from previous release - 9 females) “my .. 1&5 Possible Mortalities - 9 (2 males - 7 females) 01d Mortalities - 9 (1 male - 8 females) Observations of living released birds - 20 (3 males — including 1 white cock observed twice - 17 females) Mortalities at Release Area #2 - Lienhart Road number Date Location Description 1 April 6 2-5-1-113 Hen. many feathers, bones. plucked fairly clean. Green dye present on the feathers found in marsh. Possible Mortalities at Release Area #2 1 April 5 2-5-1-83 Three or n feathers seen at edge of marsh. Area searched. Feather trail led into water area 3 feet deep. Old Mortalities - None Observations of Released Pheasants Lienhart Road Release Area #2 1 April 2 2—5-N—NE Hen flushed from marsh grass. flew into adjacent woods on the east. Eosin dye observed. Approached to within 15 feet before the bird flushed. 2 April 2 2-5-1-HE Same as above, birds were together, flushed in the same direction, eosin dye observed. 3 April 2 2—5—l-FE Hen, eosin dye observed, at border of marsh and woods, flew west from marsh to hay field. Approached to within 20 feet before bird flushed. Ran 10 yards before flying; fair flyer. Number Date Lee at i on 1: April 2 263-111: 5 April 2 2-6-3-FW 6 April 2 2-6-2-SW 7 April 2 2-6-2-sw 8 April 2 2-5-l-m 9 April 2 2-5-l-NE 116 Description Ron, eosin dye observed, bird in marsh when flushed; approached to within 20 feet before flushing, difficult take off. Bird ran 5 yards before flying. Flew east to woods ”0 to 50 yards, landed; fair flyer. Hen, in bottomland woods, attempted to fly but could not. Ran NF into the woods. Approached to within 25 feet before it fludhed. Hen, eosin dye observed. The bird was in woodlot hiding under a fallen branch and did not flush until the observer was within 3 feet. Did not attempt to fly, instead ran through the brush into the woods. Hen, unable to identify eosin stain; running 30 yards in front of observer in woodlot when seen. Flew after a 20 yard run; flew SW. Eosin dye observed. Hen. Heard loud cackling in marsh, upon approach a cock flushed, flew N] over tall trees. flew fast and well. (A wild cock) none of the released cocks flew well. *‘t same time, a hen was observed running in grass, attempted to fly, only bounced off ground for a short distance, left tail feathers were missing. Rosin dye observed. Hen, sitting in marsh grass: noticed because of dye. Approached to within one foot before it flushed, a fair flyer. This area was not included in the principle study area. Relatively little time was Spent in searching for mortalities after the first six dayse 1h? Summary of mortalities, possible mortalities, old mortalities and observations of live released.birds in the vicinity of the Lienhart Road release site: lumber l Mortalities - l (hen) Possible mortalities - 0 Old mortalities - 0 Observations of living released birds - 9 (hens) Observations of Released Birds and Mortalities Date April 3 April 7 April 10 Mortalities - Area #3 - Dexter Trail Location Description 28-lh-2-SE Half-eaten hen found 20 feet from edge of field in the marsh. It was not stained or banded with colored band. Was an escapee. Band #118927. 28-lh-2esw cock. ‘ound body feathers and tail feathers within a small radius. Two released cocks were known to have roosted in this vicinity on April 2. 28-11-1-52 Hen. Band #1188h5. Red band #225. Possible Mortalities at Release Area #3 - None April 7 April 7 April 7 April 7 Old Mortalities 28-11-3, 28-ll-M (no exact location in records) (no exact location in records) 28-11—3, 28-11-3 (no exact location in records) 23—11-3, 28-11-h (no exact location in records) 1’48 Observations of Released Pheasants Dexter Trail Release Area #3 Number Date Location Remarks 1 April 2 2849—1-10: Hen. Eosin dye observed. Observed at edge of swale in marsh grass. Approached to within 4 feet before it flushed. Flew fairly well to the south. 7:15 P.M. 2 April 2 28-1h-1-NW Hen. Rosin dye observed. 51rd at edge of swale in marsh grass, 100 yards from release point. Approached to within 1 foot before it flushed. Flew SF to field and then ran into marsh. It was a fair flyer. 7:16 P.M. 3 April 2 28—lN-14NW Hen. Rosin dye observed. Bird was along edge of swale, 100 yards from release point. Ran among grass and brush. Approached to within 5 feet before it moved. It did not attempt to fly. 7:18 P.M. h April 2 28-1u-2-Sl Hen included in a group of 3 hens and 2 cocks which were observed in the brush along the edge of the marsh. None of the birds attempted to fly. They walked around and stepped now and that. Eosin dye observed on all of them. Approached to within 10 feet of them. 5 April 2 28-1L2-Sn Hen 6 April 2 28-1u-2-sn Hen 7 April 2 28-1‘4—2-53 Cock 8 April 2 28-110-2-51: Cock 9 April 2 28-lN-2-SE Hen, possibly wild, flushed in oak- brush thicket. Flew SE‘very fast and well. No dye observed. Ap- proached within 10 yards before flushing. Number 10 ll 12 13 11+ 15 l6 17 Date April 3 April 3 April 3 April 3 April 3 April 3 April 3 April 3 Location 28-1n-2-Ss 28—lh-2-SW 28-lh-2-sw 28-1L2—sv 28-11t-2-SW 28-1M-2-SW 28-ll-l-SW 33-2-2-1m 1149 Remarks Hen. Rosin dye observed. Found along edge of swale in brush. It made no attempt to fly. Approached to within 10 feet. Ban towards marsh.to the south. 11:15 A. M. Hen. Rosin dye observed. Bird was in marsh grass. Approached to within 25 yards. Flew in a SW direction. 11:50 A.H. Hen. losin dye observed. Found in brush at fringe of marsh. It did not fly. Ran west into bruSh. Approached to within 10 feet. Was 250 yards from the release point. 11:55 A.M. Hen. Bird was 125 yards from release point in brush at edge of marsh. Ran in small circle and tried to hide. Approached to within 10 feet. It did not attempt to fly. Was accompanied by cock. Eosin dye observed on both. 12:00 A.l. Cock. Bird was 125 yards from release point in brush at edge of marsh. Ran in small circle and tried to hide. Approached to within 10 feet. It did not attempt to fly. Was accompanied by hen. Rosin dye observed on both. 12: 00 A.M. Hen. Found 150 yards from release point. Approached to within 35 yards. Rosin dye observed. Flushed. and flew well. 12:05 P.M. White cock. Seen on Dexter Trail at 7:00 A.M. Flushed and flew:§ mile S! into grain field. whits cock. round 250 yards from re- lease point in south side of marsh. Approached to within 15 yards. Threw sticks and ran at him in an attempt to make him fly. Could not be made to flush. He walked along a short distance ahead of observer. This bird can fly well as he flew about a quarter of a mile earlier in the day when flushed. 12:15 PJI. :h‘ dmr‘ 150 Humbe Date Location Remarks 18 April 7 28-19-2-H3 Hen. Found 50 yards from release area. Rosin dye observed. Flushed from crepland stubble near marsh edge where released birds roosted April 2. 19 April 7 28—1N—2-NE Hen. Found 50 yards from release area. Rosin dye observed. Flushed from cropland stubble near marsh edge where released birds roosted April 2. Summary of mortalities, possible mortalities, old mortalities and observations of live released birds in the vicinity of Dexter Trail release site #3. Mortalities - 3 (1 male - 2 females) Possible mortalities - none Old mortalities - h(hens) Observations of live released birds - l9 (5 males - including 2 of white cock - In females) Observations of Released Birds and Mortalities Mortalities - Area #h - Potter Road Number Date Location Description 1 April 3 5-2-2—33 Hen #118912. Green dye observed. Fntrails had been picked out. Bones picked fairly clean. Skeletal structure fairly intact. A possible owl or hawk predation, was found at edge of marsh near release point. 2 April 5 5-l-l-SW Cock. Green dye observed. wings and skeletal basket all that remained. Bones were picked clean. Predator or scavenger, a bird. Found along fence line bordering pasture and state property. Number Date 3 April 5 h April 5 5 May 10 151 Location Description 32-15-N-SV Hen. Observed green dyed feathers at Junction of wood edge and field. Feathers distributed in large patches over an area of 20 square feet. No solid parts nor bands were found. Blood and flesh smeared on grass and feathers. 32.15-M—SW Hen. Green dye observed. Found carcass minus head, legs and one wing; searched area, no conclusions as to the type of predation. Found in sedge at marsh edge. 5-1-2-SE Hen. Green dye observed. A great many feathers and tibia lying under a clump of shrubs. Kill too old to determine cause of death. Possible Mortalities - Potter'Road.Area *h Dumber Date 1 May 1 2 May 1 3 5-l-l-SW Green dye on feathers observed. One leg observed, could have been part of mortality number two, as feathers were those of a cock; 32-16-2-SW Feathers. green dyed, from a.possible kill. A positive kill. if feathers were not from another mortality. Old Mortalities Approximate Remarks Location 5-1-2-NE Remains weathered. grass on tap of kill. Remains scattered. 5-1-2-BU 0n side hill in grass, remains scattered. Band #110968. M—Z-h Found by a Game Division observer. Band #77950. Listed as a released mortality of this year. Band number does not agree (old kill found on Seven Gables #779h9 same release). 152 £32225 Dagg_ Approximate Remarks Location N 5—1—2 Hen. Feathers. Last year's kill. 5 5-1-2 Hen. Feathers. Last year's kill. 6 5-1-2 Hen. Feathers. Last year's kill. 7 5-1-2 Han. Feathers. Last year's kill. 8 5-1-2 Hen. Feathers. Last year's kill. Observations of Released Pheasants Potter Road Release Area in Number Date Location Description M Area in Hens. Definitely released birds. No description or exact locations of observations available. 2 Area #M Same as above. Summary of mortalities, possible mortalities. old mortalities and observations of released birds on area in. Potter Boad. Mortalities - 5 (1 cock - h hens) Possible mortalities - 2 Old mortalities - 8 (7 hens - 1 unknown) Observations - M hens - 2 cocks dram TABLE h PHEASANTS RELEASED ON THE DANSVILLE AREA Game larm Males Tag Numbers AUGUST 31. 19u9 Wild Tag Numbers 153 128031-1280h0 Yellow 11-20 128081-128090 rollow 60-71 128091-128100 1280u1-128050 Yellow 21-30 128111-128120 Yellow 91-lOO 128071-128080 Yellow 51-60 128061-128070 Yellow 11-50 Release *1 Release #2 IN—Il Sec. 3 Release #3 TIE-RIB SOCe 3 Release in rluesls Sec. 3 Release #5 TINeRIE Sec. 3 Release #6 Tan-RIB SOCe 33 Release #7 TZH-RII Sec. 33 128011-128020 127991-128000 128001-128010 127961-127970 127981-127990 127971-127980 127951-127960 Game Farm Males Tag Numbers Wild Tag numbers 15h 128051-128060 Yellow 31-h0 128021-128030 Yellow l-lO 128101-128110 Yellow 81-90 Release #8 r—anen-In Sec. 33 Release #9 T2N¥RIR Sec. 33 Release #10 1279h1-127950 127931-1279h0 127921-127930 l... TABLE 5 BAND RIEURNS OF PHEASANTS RELEASED AUGUST 31. 19n9 155 _=:=-== How Recovered Game Farm Males How Recovered Wild Males Site #1 shot 128038 Shot 128018 Shot 128032 Pound dead 128020 Shot 12803u Shot 128012 Found dead 128019 Site #2 Shot 128082 shot 128000 Shot 128083 Shot 12799n Shot 127998 Site #3 Shot 128097 Shot 128001 Site 4% Shot 1280h6 Shot 127963 Shot 1280““ Shot 127968 Shot 127969 Site #5 Shot 128118 Shot 127986 Shot 128117 Site #6 Shot 128071 Shot 127973 shot 127978 Shot 12797h Site #7 Shot 128065 Shot 127955 Shot 128069 Shot 128070 156 How Recovered Game Farm Males How Recovered Wild Males Site #8 Shot 128060 Shot 127927 Shot 12805u Shot 127921 Site #9 Shot 128021 Shot 127937 Shot 12802u Shot 127932 Site #10 0 Shot 127927 Shot 127921 TOTAL 18 22 TABLE 6 SOME HIGHER PLANTS GOMMON TO THE DAN SYILLE AREA The Shrubs Listed in estimated approximate order of prevalence 157 100d Value Species Where Found Percent of Diet Cornus stolonifera (Red osier dogwood) Swamp 1/2 to 2% Cornus racemosa (Grey dogwood) Hoods 1/2 to 2f Salix candida (Honey willow) Swamp .§El$§.2$§£& (Black willow) Swamp §El££ humilie (Small pussy willow) Marsh edge §gligflgp. (Unidentified) Swamp Orataeggs pp, (Hawthorn) woods edge 1/2 to 2% Rhns ioxicodendron (Poison ivy) Woods 1/2 to 2% Sambucus canadensis (American elderberry) Road edge and 2 to 5% woods iraea.3123 (Meadow sweet) Woods £29. 3.23.315. (Poison sumac) Lowland woods 1/2 to 2% Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly ash) Woods edge 11212.22: (Wild grape) Woods edge and 2 to 5% fence row 33333 $293.22 (Raspberry, Red) Woods edge 10 to 25% Rnbus occidentalis (Raspberry, Black) Woods 10 to 25% ‘figbgg‘gp. (Blackberry) Woods and field 10 to 25% m serotina (Black cherry) Woods and field 1/2 to 2% fl. 158 Species Where Found lood Value Percent of Diet zzzug'malus (Apple) Ribes cynosbati (Gooseberry) Prunus virginiana (Choke cherry) Spiraea latifolia (Broad-leaved meadow sweet) Oephalanthgg occidentalis (Button—bush) Viburnun acerifolium (Arrow-wood) Hypericum spathulatum (Shrubby St. John's Wort) Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leather-leaf) Gaylussacia baccata (Huckleberry) 01d orchards and 5 to 10% reproduction fields Woods Fields Fields Lowland woods Woods Woods edge Marsh Low places Hamamelis virginiana (Witchphazel) Woods Lonicera sp. (Honeysuckle) Woods Anelanchier canadensis (Juneberry) Woods H225 carolina (Carolina rose) Marsh edge 51323 M (Speckled alder) Woods flags 32. (Greenbrier) Woods Parthenocissus quinguefolia (Virginia Field Creeper) Viburnum lentago (Dannyberry) Marsh edge .QEEEEE florida (Flowering dogwood) Woods The Herbs ngatica acutiloba (Hepatica) Woods Woods Sanguinarie canadensis (Bloodroot) 2to 5% 1/2 to 2% t 1/2 to 2% A 1..-. _ 159 Food.Value Species Where Found Percent of Diet Erythronium americanum (Dog‘s-tooth Woods violet) Dentaria laciniata (Toothwort) Woods Claytonia virginica (Spring-Beauty) Woods Capsella.§3£gaypastoris (Shepherd's-purse)Fie1ds Dicentra Cucullaria (Dutchman's-breaches) Woods Geranium maculatum (Spotted Cranesbill) Woods Viola canadensis (Canada Violet) Field edge, woods Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh) Woods Anemonella thalictroides (RueeAnemone) Woods Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) Fields Possibly .Anemone quinguefolia (Wood Anemone) Woods Solanum Dulcamara (Bittersweet Nightshade)Woods 1/2 to 2% Thalictrum.3p. (Meadow-Rue) Iields Occur Frequently Pedophyllum peltatum (May-apple) Woods Trillium flexipes (Trillium) Woods 'Iiglg striata (Cream Violet) Woods nglig grandis (Wood-Sorrel) Woods Igglglpubescens (Downy Yellow Violet) Woods £932.! 9.1.12. (White Baneberry) Woods lethalpalustris (MarshpMarigold) Swamps 1/2 to 2% Trifolium rgpens (White Clover) Woods edge 1/2 to 2% 160 Species Food Value Where Found Percent of Diet Trifolium procumbens (Hep-Clover) gymplocarpus foetidus (Skunk Cabbage) Uvularia grandiflora (Bellwort) Smilacina trifolia (False Solomon's-seal) Polygonatum biflorium (Solomon's-seal) R3235_Acetosella (ShespeSorrel) E5525 Crigpus (Yellow Does) Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Lychnis alba (White Campion) Ranunculus septentrionalis (Swamp Butter- cup) Lgpidium densiflorum (Pepper grass) Brassica £1193; (Mustard) Barbarea Iglgaris (Yellow Rocket) Fragaria‘virginiana (Wild Strawberry) lelilotus alba (Sweet Clover) Senicula marilandica (Black Snakeroot) Osmorhisa Claytonia (Sweet Cicely) Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) Gaultheria.procumbens (Wintergreen) [Asclgpies syriaca (Milkweed) Asclqgiss tuberosa (ButterfIvaeed) Woods edge 1/2 to 2% Woods and swamp 2 to 5% Woods Woods edge Woods Fields 1/2 to 2% Fields 1/2 to 2% Fields Woods Woods 1/2 to 2% Woods edge Woods edge 2 to 5% Woods edge Woods edge and 2 to 5% field Woods 1/2 to 2% Woods Woods Woods edge and 1/2 to 2% field Woods Woods edge and field Field 161 Food Value Species Where Found Percent of Diet dercphyl m gppendiculatum (Waterleaf) Woods Rudbeckia higtg (Coneflower) Woods edge Qallugwgp, (Bedstraw) Woods edge Achilles Millefolium (Common Yarrow) Fields lrigeron philadelphicus (Fleabane) Woods edge Eriggron canadensis (Hogweed) Fields Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) Solidggo‘gp. (Goldenrod) Polygggum aviculare (Knotweed) Polygonum convolvulus (Black Bindweed) Convolvulus ervensis (Field Bindweed) Boehmeria 32. (False Nettle) Parietaria.gp. (Pellitory) Igpatiens cgpensis (Jewelweed) Chenopgdium album (Lambs quarters) Woods edge and fields Field and woods edge rields Fields Fields Woods Woods Field and woods edge Fields Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem.Artichoke)Woods Helianthus 32. (Sunflower) Agrostemma Githago (CorneCockle) Stellarie longifolia (Chickweed) Lgpidium virginicum (Poor—Man's Pepper) Cirsium.pumilum (Bull Thistle) Field Fields Woods Fields Woods edge 2 to 5% 2 to 5% 1/2 to 2% 1/2 to 2% 1/2 to 2% 2 to 5% 2 to 5% m. It; Silo]? t . 1 Species 162 m Food Value Where Found Percent of Diet Cirsium arvense (Canada Thistle) Silene Cucubalus (Bladder Campion) Monarda fistulosa (wild Bergomot) Arctium minus (Common Burdock) Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) Ambrosia trifida (Great Ragweed) Ambrosia elatior (Ragweed) Fm,1a s . (Wintergreen) Lactuca canadensis (Lettuce 'Milkweed') Vicia sp. (Vetch) Halve rotundifolia (Round-leaved Mallow) Mentha s . (Hint) Oenotherea £2. (Evening-Prinrose) Portulaca olerecea (Purslane) Vernonia altissima (Tall Ironweed) laphorbia‘gp, (Spurge) epics 32. (Wild Bean) Dipsacus sylvestris (Wild Teasel) Iris versicolor (Blue Flag) Verbascum blattaria (Moth Mullein) Saponaria officinalis (Bouncing-bet) Lupinus perennis (Wild Lupine) .Alisma triviale (Water-plantain) Woods edge Fields Fields Woods edge Fields Woods edge 5 to 10% Fields 5 to 10% Woods Woods 1/2 to 2% Fields 1/2 to 2% Fields Jfield edge Woods Fields Marsh edge Woods Field Woods and fields Woods Fields Woods edge Fields Swamp 163 Species Where Found Food Value Percent of Diet Plantago 5350111 (Plantain) Waldsteinia fragarioides (Barren Strawberry) Verbena hastata (Blue Vervain) Plantago lanceolata (Ribgrass) Lobelia Cardinalis (Cardinal Lobelia) Elodea canadensis (Water-thyme) Sagittaria‘gp. (Arrowhead) Lemma minor (Duckweed) Nygphaea'gp. (Water-lily) Building site Fields Swamp Old barn yard Woods Lakes edge Lakes edge Lakes edge 1/2 to 2% Grasses Agrostis‘glba (Red top Bentgrass) Bigggg'gp. (Brome-Grass) £1229. £2532 (Wild oat) Setaria viridis (Green Foxtail) Setaria 515225 (Pigeon-grass) Agropyzon.igpggg (Quack Grass) Pea pratensis (June grass) Phlggm pretense (Common Timothy) Berteroa £52223 (Hoary alyssum) Biggpp_tectorum (Brome grass) AndrOpogon‘gp. (Beardgrass) Calamagrostis sp. (Reed-Bentgrass) Woods edge Woods edge Woods edge Iields Fields Fields Woods edge Woods edge Woods edge Woods edge Woods edge Woods edge 1/2 to 2% 5 to 10% 1/2 to 2% 1/2 to 2% 1/2 to 2% 1/2 to 2% 1/2 to 2% 16M Food Value Species Where Found Percent of Diet [Digitaria Ischaemum (Crab-Grass) Woods edge lchinochloa crusgalli (Barnyard-Grass) Woods edge Panicum capillare (Old-witch grass) Woods edge Rlymus virginicus (Terrell Grass) Swamp 1/2 to 2% S2252: Carex tribuloides , Swamp 1/2 to 2% Eggs; 32. Swamp 1/2 to 2% Scigpus pp. (Bullrush) Swamp 1/2 to 2% §a£g§_pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge) Swamp 1/2 to 2% mass £35223 effusus (Soft Rush) Swamp Cat—tail £2232 latifolia (Cat-tail Flag) 1. 8. 10. 11. 165 LITERATURE CI TED Allen. Durward L.. 191+1. Method For Recording Place Locations In The Field. Jour. Mammal. 20. pp. 1614-156. Allen. Durward L.. 191+2. A Pheasant Inventory Method Based Upon 1111 Records And Sex Ratios. Trans. N. American Wildl. Con!” 7. pp. 329-333. Blouch. Ralph L. 1950. Pheasant Anniversary. Mich. Cons.. 19. PP. 11-12, contlflufid 26o Blouch. Ralph I. and L. L. Fberhardt. 1953. Changes In Pheasant Pepulations And Land Use On The Prairie Farm. Unpublished paper present ed at 15th Midwest Wildl. Conf. 7 pp. Kimball. J. W.. 19149. The Growing Count Pheasant Census. Jour. Wildlo Mgto, 13. pp. 101‘1200 Leedy. Daniel L. and Lowrance E. Hicks. 1915. The Pheasants In Ohio. McAtee. W. L.. Editor. The Ring-Necked Pheasant And Its Management In North America. The American Wildlife Institute. Washington. D. 0.. pp. 57-130. Martin. Alexander 0.. Herbert S. Zim. and Arnold L. Nelson. 1951. American Wildlife And Plants, McGraw-Hill Book Co.. New York. 500 pp- Pearce. John. 1945. The Pheasant In The Northeast. McAtee. W. L.. Editor. The Ring-Necked Pheasant And Its Management In North America. The American Wildlife Institute. Washington. D. 0.. pp. 32-511. Ryder. W. 0.. 19h9. Farms and Game. Mich. Cons.. 18. pp. 27-29. Veatch, J. 0.. H. G. Adams. I. H. Hubbard. C. Dorman. L. R. James, J. W. Moon and C. H. Wonser. 191+1. Soil Survey Of Ingham County. Michigan. U. 5. Dept. of Agr. In 000p. with Mich. Agr. Fxper. Station. Superintendent of Documents, Washington. D. C.. Series 1933, No. 36. Wight. Howard 11.. 19115. The Pheasant In Michigan. McAtee. w. L.. Editor. The Ring-Necked Pheasant And Its Management In North America. The American Wildlife Institute. Washington. D. 0.. Pp. 131-189. 4 I. at (A 3? m y I.) w -; rvrr I - I: wit/'7 355-3: , - m I ..IF 1" nICHIceN STRTE UNIV. LIBRRRIES 1|MW“I”WIWIIIWIWI‘lHlHWIWHII1| 31293001049166