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Attention Please Review our June 2011 Activity Report MWDI is very pleased to have been selected by the Chesapeake Chapter of the Safari Club International for their generous support of our activities. Our youth oriented box assembly events have become very popular and we have had an increasing number of school oriented projects formed the past 2-3 years. (The science classes at Caroline High School and the Indian Head Elementary School in Caroline and Charles Counties, respectively, being the latest). A special thanks goes to DNR’s Donald Webster for his support of MWDI as a candidate and to Harry Daisey, of the Safari Club. MWDI is also grateful for the publicity provided by the Wood Duck Society in their April and July newletters, where MWDI’s research at Chesapeake Farms (Kent) on starling deterrence was covered. Frank McGilvrey’s expert work on this subject many years ago was also highlighted and his “must read” article is still the gospel on the use of horizontal nest boxes. Although retired from the USF&W, Frank is still active and continues to manage the Wood Duck program at the Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge. The 2011 statewide nesting survey is behind schedule as several projects are only partially finished and probably won’t be done until Feb-March 2012. MWDI is trying to keep estimates of certain full project results to a minimum from the data in hand although perceptions of the total outcome have not changed since our last Director Message – i.e. a modest gain of some 3-5% is expected. Reports from the fall do not suggest anything unusual about the number and timing of migrating woodie populations although it always seems like it’s too early for some! With the very warm temperatures up north, I suspect we have yet to see all the woodies move through Maryland this season. Fall rains have been pretty good and most habitat areas are presently in very good shape. Once we do complete the 2011 statewide survey, MWDI will drop some sites for lack of productivity and/or attention. Alternatively, or in conjunction with this re-orientation, we may establish primary and secondary site classifications for the public sites to reflect pragmatic inspections, habitat and other “Best Practice” considerations. This rationalization process may take 2 seasons as we will be seeking further rehabilitation of some sites and will be trying to obtain site managers before relegating to secondary status. MWDI continues to have supplies to support new projects where habitat is suitable and committed program management is defined. MWDI is always looking for more volunteers
to handle certain projects. Our turnover is a constant as life’s events
happen. Please contact MWDI if you are interested in getting involved. The
continued support of our volunteers is critical and we truly appreciate the
efforts. Thank you all.
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This page updated on January 23, 2012