Tim Ward Displays His Prize Awarded
in Recognition of his Body of Work
on Behalf of the Wood Duck
See all the winning photo contest entries!

Over 40 Wood Duck Boxes were assembled at two public events for youth - 20 at the Chestertown Wildlife Exhibition & Sale in Kent County on Oct. 17th, and 23 at Maryland's National Hunting & Fishing Day in September in Caroline County. Click here for event photos.

Nesting results are now 85% collected as 65% of the 59 project sites have been inspected. The picture collage above represents the many efforts of volunteers and public officials being provided in the pursuit of this statewide endeavor. The table below represents our preliminary estimates for the 2008 nest season results.

More than 9,700 ducklings have been hatched since the reference period when projects have been adopted or initiated. In 2008, the incremental hatch is more than 4,000 alone and growing. The results are very gratifying especially as the drought of 2007 apparently hurt brood survival based on the reduced number of yearling hens estimated to have returned to Maryland this year.

2009 field work is already underway and we expect about 200 new boxes to be installed in several existing projects and 6-8 new sites. Please review MWDI’s latest Activity Report and the other web site sections for current details of our various activities. The Activity Report also provides production summaries of the three largest project sites. Once we tabulate and analyze all our sites, a more detailed use and productivity summary will be published this fall.

We’ve now surpassed 13,000 volunteer hours since 2004. The “best practices” approach is generating noticeable gains and providing a rewarding experience to those involved. Come join us. No dues, just whatever time you wish to commit whenever you want to get outdoors ! 

Sincerely,

Cliff Brown
Executive Director
Maryland Wood Duck Initiative