Quail Deployment Underway at Hempstead Harbor Nature Trail in Tick Control Initiative

One hundred quail were released Friday at the Hempstead Harbor Nature Trail, where officials say the birds can play an important role in controlling the tick population.

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Wildlife management officials released 100 quail at the Hempstead Harbor Nature Trail on Friday as part of an effort to naturally suppress the area’s tick population. The birds are expected to serve as a biological control method, foraging for ticks and other small insects throughout the preserve.

Authorities have identified tick management as an important priority for the nature trail, where visitor safety and environmental health remain key concerns. The quail release represents a sustainable approach to addressing the pest issue without relying on chemical treatments.

Officials expressed confidence that the released birds will establish themselves in the trail’s ecosystem and provide ongoing pest control benefits. The initiative will be monitored to assess the effectiveness of the quail population in reducing tick numbers in the area.

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