Winter Quail report

A 'Quail' has been present at Portland Bill (Dorset) since early January 2010 (John Lucas et al) and after a concerted effort this past week, was relocated and photographed in flight (Martin Cade).

In light of recent events on the Isle of Portland, in terms of released game species including Grey Partridge and Common Pheasant, the possibility that Common (or the difficult-to-distinguish Japanese Quail) have been released cannot be ruled out and for that reason, the record cannot be accepted as such.

When investigated, the vast majority of 'winter' Quail records have proved to be unacceptable in Britain, with Japanese Quail very commonly kept in captivity and often released into the wild

For further information, click http://www.portlandbirdobs.org.uk/aa_latestnews.htm