We've had Bobwhites here before and have since that time planted more shrubs and vines to fill up along some fences. I hope they come back.
I don't like turf either, but a near phobia of ticks keeps lawn near the house. It's probably a good thing we have ticks as we stay out of the pasture during nesting season. We don't like disturbing nesting birds and but the temptation may get us if it wasn't for the ticks.
We have the dog variety that are active from April through August. Outside of those months, we roam the tall grasses without a problem. I am concerned with the deer that are starting to show up more. I hope they're not leaving the deer ticks behind that are active longer and more problematic.
It's one of several family members that mow. I show my husband all my new plantings but he cannot keep them straight. That was the reason for the orange flags. I had one in an odd location once, but he thought it was something the children did. He pulled it and mowed. I mulch sometimes, but not always.
