La Grulla Dec. 11, 1979 (cont.) Some estimates of quail numbers along the Chocolate Grade west of Santa Tomas. Between Kilometer posts 6 and 14 we counted the following coveys as we started toward home: 11 coveys between km. post 7 and 14, averaging 175 = 1925 A mob by Km post 6 of 600 (last time seen by Church & Caldwell estimated to be 1000) Total birds along 8 km (5 mi.) of road - 2525 Usable range about 1/4 mi. on each side of the road, counting strip of cultivated barley, brush adjoining, and of course the stream parallel to the road This would come to 5 mi x 1/2 mi = 2 1/2 square miles Density therefore would be 2525 birds ---------------- 2 1/2 sq. mi. = 1010 birds to the square mile 1010 ------- 640 = 1.58 birds per acre This computation involves only birds seen by me. There may be additional coveys (probably small) higher in the side canyons. It is understood, though, that this winter concentration along a favorable narrow valley does not represent density over a large area. Yet it is remarkable considering that this country is in no way margined for quail. After lunch Chuck flew me to Orange Co. Airport, from which point I took a commercial flight home.