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2009 Wetlands & Wildlife Field Day

By Aaron Ward

On September 22nd and 23rd the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service Wellington office hosted the annual “Wetlands & Wildlife Field Day 2009”.

All 4th grade students from Somerset County schools were presented with information on wetland plants, ducks, predators & prey, amphibians & reptiles, deer, & fish. Two days of seasonal temperatures made a great backdrop to be out exploring nature.

I was lucky enough to be asked to share a presentation on ducks. We covered topics based around my favorite, the Wood Duck. In our 25 minute segments we discussed migration, drakes vs. hens plumage, duck banding, & habitat.

Near the end of our time the students were able to look inside a Wood Duck box at a successfully hatched nest and one lucky student was selected to release a Wood Duck. To my surprise, the students were very knowledgeable about the topics we discussed and very excited to touch & release a duck.

Thanks go out to Bill McInturff for allowing me to represent the Maryland Waterfowlers Association and Maryland Wood Duck Initiative while sharing my love for the outdoors with the kids.

Photographs:

Top Row: The duck station.

Middle Row: (L) Students checking out a successful nest. (R) Mohamad releasing a drake Wood Duck.

Bottom Row: (L) Mrs. Horseman’s class with Wood Duck box. (R) Students checking out a Wood Duck hen just before Emily releases her.