> game department some years (decades?) earlier. I was hoping that there would
> be some response on this species, it's history in Washington, and general
> opinions. I assume that there must be at least one *tweeter* who is
> knowledgeable about this and it's current known or suspected status in
> Washington. Hopefully, this isn't such an oversight on my part as to be of
> such common knowledge as to be deemed unworthy of comment. I'm serious...
> inquiring minds have just got to know these things :-))
>
> Richard Rowlett <Pagodroma at aol.com>
> Bellevue, WA

I'm no expert, but you've shamed me into quoting from the Gap Breeding
Bird Atlas volume (Smith and Mattocks 1997, not available yet):

Scaled Quail: "Premerly introduced in Yakima, Kittitas, Franklin, and
Grant counties, possibly elsewhere. The first introductions were prior
to 1913 (Jewett et al. 1953). Declines in later years resulted in
their eventual extirpation in Wa. There are no confirmed records in
recent years and none known during the BBA period. Wahl and Paulson
(1991) note that this species was recorded at the Juniper forest in
Franklin Co. in the 1970's and formerly along Crab Creek near Beverly
(Grant Co.). Harris and Yocum (1952) provide confirmed breeding
evidence from Deadman Lake (Adams Co.) historically. Reports of this
species can no longer be accepted without photographic or specimen
corroboration."

Bobwhite: "Introduced from eastern US. Locally uncommon in the Puget
Trough and at Ledbetter Point." ..."first introduced to Washington on
Whidbey Island in 1871..." "Bobwhites formerly occurred in southeastern
Washington, where they were introduced to the Walla Walla valley in
1920. In following years, their numbers increased to support healthy
populations for several years, but then have declined drastically in
recent years. A single male noted in Walla Walla in 1988 is the last
known record from this area. The harsh winter of 1992-1993 seems to
have finished them off (MD). Bobwhites were also introduced to the
Wenas Creek region (Yakima Co.) but failed to establish a population
there (AS = Andy Stepniewski). The highly variable nature of Bobwhite
introductions makes their distribution difficult to predict. In some
years, they are numerous in areas outside the mapped distribution [in
the southern Puget Trough]. However, these are transient numbers and
the apparently stable populations are those depicted on the map."

To which I will also add that I talked to Mike and he is checking for
more information about the Ledbetter Point location (on the coast).
Also, Bobwhite chicks are commonly raised by hunters and released, and
given as Easter gifts and later released. So, in late spring/early
summer, Bobwhites are especially likely to be heard just about anywhere
and a few even survive the winter.

That's the sum total of my knowledge.

Kelly Cassidy