In all the years of coming to the park, I often wondered "Who is this Bob White that they named a trail after?" Image my surprise (and slight embarrassment) when I found out it was not a person, but rather a species of bird with a unique call that sounds a lot like someone yelling "Bob White!". These birds are the only native quail in the east and are heard more often than seen. Although not especially shy, they often keep within dense low cover. During fall and winter, bob whites live in coveys, averaging about a dozen birds. At night they roost on the ground in circles, tails pointed inward, heads pointed out.
Feeding Behavior: Forages by walking on the ground, head down, searching for food by sight; sometimes moves up into vines or shrubs. Feeds in flocks (coveys) at most seasons, alone or in family groups during the breeding season.
Eggs: Usually 12-16. White to pale buff. Incubation is by both sexes, 23-24 days.
Young: Downy young leave nest shortly after hatching; are tended by both parents, but feed themselves. If danger threatens young, parents may put on distraction display. Young can make short flights at 1-2 weeks, not full-grown for several more weeks.
Diet: Diet varies with season and place. Eats many seeds, also leaves, buds, berries, acorns, roots, insects, spiders, and snails. May eat mostly seeds in winter, with more insects eaten in summer. Young birds may eat mostly insects at first.
Nesting: In courtship, the male turns head to the side to show off pattern, droops wings, fluffs up feathers, makes short rushes at the female; also walks slowly around the female with tail fanned, feathers fluffed up. The nest site (apparently chosen by both members of the pair) is on the ground among dense growth. Nest (built by both sexes) is a shallow depression lined with grass, leaves. Grass and weeds are often woven into an arch over the nest, making it very well hidden, with an entrance at one side.
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| Bob White Call |
The Bob White Nature Trail is a one mile lightly trafficked loop trail that offers a chance to see wildlife in a serene setting. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is good for all skill levels.
The Cache is a large-sized lock & lock hidden along the Bob White Nature Trail. As always, please use stealth and return the cache to its original location.
This cache is located in Lower Huron Metropark. A Metroparks vehicle permit is required for entry to the parks: $10 daily pass, $40 annual pass, $29 annual seniors pass. All park rules and regulations apply. Please park in parking lots only.
For general information please call 810-227-2752 800-47-PARKS, or visit www.metroparks.com. Dogs on a leash are allowed in this section of the park The hours for the trail are dawn to dusk.
A Metropark geocaching permit has been filed and approved by Kevin Arnold (Southern District Interpretive Supervisor).