Ducks and such...

Living on a small lake, we are fortunate enough to get to see quite a bit of wildlife, especially waterfowl. Around the beginning of October each year, we start to have a dramatic increase in ducks. I know a little about the Atlantic Flyway but not alot. So today, I was searching the DU website (a great conservation organization) and found a very interesting link.

Where do SC ducks come from?

http://www.ducks.org/South_Carolina/SCContent/3643/WhereDoSouthCarolinaDucksComeFrom.html


We have been volunteers for the SC Governor's Wood Duck Project for a few years now, and 2007 was our most successful year.

More information on this project can be found here:

From the S.C. Department of Natural Resources website:

October 21, 2008

Nov. 15 deadline for wood duck box applications

The deadline for applications for the 2009 distribution of wood duck boxes from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources through the Governor’s Wood Duck Box Project is November 15, 2008. The wood duck is the most important species to South Carolina waterfowl enthusiasts and is the only duck that production habitat can effectively be managed throughout all geographic regions of the state. The Governor's Wood Duck Box Project supplements natural production from tree cavities in forested wetlands by providing artificial nesting sites. Fewer natural cavities are available today due to human activity and development.

Private landowners wishing to obtain wood duck boxes can obtain an application (Pdf file) for the Governor's Wood Duck Box Project from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Contact DNR waterfowl biologist Dean Harrigal for information on the Governor's Wood Duck Box Project at (843) 844-8957 or via email at harrigald@dnr.sc.gov. Find out more about all waterfowl projects around the state and harvest reports. Get detailed instructions on how to build your own wood duck box.

The statewide project for construction and distribution of nest box units to requesting landowners began in 1982. The project was renamed in 2004 as the Governor's Wood Box Duck Project and rejuvenated by private funding. Since 1982, over 30,000 nest box units have been issued to over 4,000 cooperators. The project provides nest boxes, poles and predator guards to landowners having suitable wood duck production and brood-rearing habitat.

DNR protects and manages South Carolina's natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state's natural resources and its people.