Pheasant Brood Strips

In April of 2007, the Teller incorporated a new conservation practice aimed at enhancing habitat for pheasants, known as "brood strips."  With the help of retired California Fish and Game Biologist Ed Smith, a renowned pheasant biologist, two brood strips were developed adjacent to grain and upland cover fields on the Teller.

The strips are approximately 200 yards long by 12 feet wide, with sloping banks.  The bare soil within the strips is periodically flooded during the first three to eight weeks of the pheasant chicks' life.  During that period, insects are the primary diet for chicks, providing essential protein for growth. The saturated soils attract a host of insects.  Research has demonstrated that if such habitat is not available, the hen pheasant will continue to search for saturated areas, during which time chick predation increases.  When brood strips are located next to sufficient cover, the hen does not have to travel as far, thus chick survival increases.  

In August of 2007, a pheasant flushing survey was conducted by Ed Smith, Teller Volunteer Chuck Burrier and Teller staff.  The survey is designed to sample areas in close proximity to the brood strips, in order to classify adults and juveniles.  If the survey results reveal more than six chicks per hen, the population is thought to be increasing.  The Teller survey revealed results with nearly 8-10 young per hen. 

According to Ed Smith, in its first 2 years, the brood strip effort at The Teller contunies to enhance pheasant habitat, which will additionally benefit other upland birds and wildlife species.  In 2008, The Teller restored approximately 20 acres of wetlands which have served as excellent additional brood habitat as the exposed saturated soils attract many insects.  With continued success, this effort will improve upland habitat at The Teller, and has the potential to provide a good model for other landowners seeking to enhance upland habitat.