Ward Museum's World Wildfowl
Championship
A Celebration of Wildfowl Art
and
DELMARVA Birding Weekend
April 28-30 2006

Carvings are grouped together by level, which is indicated by colored banners hanging over the display areas. In addition, there are divisions for Youth entries and for the Shootin' Stool and Smoothie (decoy) carvings, as well as the Endowment Divisions. You can learn more about these specific divisions at the Championship.

These are the highly realistic carvings and can include single birds or groupings. The carver is free to choose species.

Floating Decorative Lifesize Waterfowl Pair (Division B) These are highly realistic carvings of a designated species and must include a drake and a hen. Entries must float in a life like manner.

Decorative Miniature Wildfowl (Division C) This division is for entries that are more interpretive than realistic, and include natural finishes as well as other forms of nonrealistic sculpture. Sculptors are free to choose species, and judging emphasize artistry, craftsmanship and effective portrayal.

Shootin' Rig (Division SR) Entries in the Shootin' Rig Division are carved to meet the demands of working decoys; they must be durable and practical. All carvings in the rig (which must consist of a minimum of three birds; including a drake and hen of any species and a third bird of the same or a different species) will be judged floating.

Advanced, INTERMEDIATE AND NOVICE DIVISIONS

Floating Decorative Lifesize Waterfowl (Divisions E)more info later in the week....

Decorative Lifesize Wildfowl (Division F)more info later in the week.....

Decorative Miniature Wildfowl (Division G)more info later in the week.....

Interpretive Wood Sculpture (Division H)more info later in the week......

SHOOTIN' STOOL DIVISIONS

Two divisions recognize the decoy tradition with the LEM and STEVE WARD Shootin' Stool competition.

Gunner (Division L) includes birds carved as practical, working decoys.

Smoothie (Division LP) includes contemporary versions of the decoys.

The Contest

The competition is divided up into levels, divisions, categories and species, and entries are displayed according to these breakdowns. Begin by looking at the colored banners hanging from the convention center ceiling they identify level and division.

A KEY TO COLOR CODES
Levels refer to the general artistic and technical skill of the carver, and assure that carvers of like ability compete against each other. There are three basic levels, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced at the Ward World Championship. Carvings are grouped together by level, which is indicated by colored banners hanging over the display areas. In addition, there are divisions for Youth entries and for the Shootin’ Stool and Smoothie (decoy) carvings, as well as the Lem and Steve Compe tors Division.

Novice: This level is reserved for entry-level carvers. Carvers who win a Best in Division at the Novice level are required to advance to the Intermediate level; those who win consistent blue ribbons are encouraged to advance. Novice carvers compete for ribbons and rosettes.

Intermediate : This level includes carvers who have advanced beyond the entry level. Carvers who win two Best in Division at the Intermediate level are required to advance to the Advanced level; those who win consistent blue ribbons are encouraged to advance. Intermediate carvers compete for cash awards, ribbons and rosettes.

Advanced (formerly Open): This level represents advanced amateur and professional carvers, including those who have obtained top rankings in competitions. Entrants compete for Best in Show and cash awards.

Masters: The Ward Master's Class opens up opportunities for Champion carvers to achieve a new level of excellence in their art, and also to be recognized and honored with awards at this most competitive level, the Master's Class. The Master's Class is not a purchase award level.

World: The five World Divisions provide the opportunity for Advanced level carvers to compete in special purchase award divisions for the title of World Champion. These are elite divisions for those carvers whose sculpture demonstrates the highest level of artistry and technique. Judging standards are the most demanding, with the very best carvings earning the title Best in World and a purchase I award. Divisions refer to the types of carvings, and assure that like carvings are judged together. Many of the divisions have specific judging requirements. Divisions are distinguished by letter codes. Youth division entries are marked by a green banner and Shootin’ Stool, Smoothie and Lem and Steve Competitors Divisions are marked by tan banners. Other divisions are arranged within the Advanced, Intermediate and Novice levels.

YOUTH DIVISION The Youth Division is reserved for carvers age 15 and younger and is separate from the other levels. Youth Division carvers participate in six categories: Decorative Waterfowl, Upland Game Birds, Floating Waterfowl, Shorebirds or Seabirds, Songbirds and Birds of Prey. Entries in this Division will not be judged for awards. All entrants will receive ribbons of participation. During the show, master artists and participants meet to discuss the work these young artists have entered.

THE JUDGING The judging takes place on the floor, so it’s possible to watch the judging process and witness the excitement of choosing winners. Especially interesting is the judging of floating waterfowl and shootin stool carvings, since these entries are critiqued while floating in water. The world-level Shootin’ Rig Division entries will be judged floating in Assawoman Bay behind the Ocean City Convention Center.

• More park information in the local area CLiCK HeRE
  CANOE TRIPS
  Prothontary The Pokomoke River
  Guided canoe trips will be offered on the Pokomoke River from Porters Crossing to Snow Hill, approximately a 5-mile journey, approximately a four hour trip, on Saturday and Sunday 7am and 8am. The Pokomoke River meanders through pristine wooded land, home to migratory warblers and many shorebirds making this area a truly natural wonder. $30 per canoe.1-800-852-0335.

Warblers on Water Nassawango Creek
Guided canoe trips will be offered on Nassawango Creek, a tributary to the Pocomoke River, from Red House Road to Snow Hill on Saturday and Sunday at 7am and 8am. Over 3000 acres along Nassawango Creek have been preserved by the Nature Conservancy which makes this 4 hour trip bordered by balk cypress a beautiful one. $30 per canoe. 1-800-852-0335

Heron Happiness Assateague Island
Assateague Island will serve as the site for a 3 hour guided canoe tour on the back bays, Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. locatd in the National Park at the end of Bay Side Drive. $30 per canoe and a $5 per car entrance fee. 1-800-852-0335.

NIGHT LIFE
Night Birds of the Marsh
The Ward Museum will host Night Birds of the Marsh on Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 9pm at the E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area. Bring a flashlight and boots or shoes you won't mind getting wet :-) Meet behind the Snow Hill Library. $10 per person. For information call 410/742-4988 ext. 110.

Owl Prowl
Explore the trails of Pemberton Historical Park in search of resident owls and other nocturnal creatures. The trail system offers flora and fauna of diverse habitats: hardwood and pine forests, a freshwater pond, tidal wetlands, meadows and fields. Meet the Naturalist in the parking lot. Saturday 8 - 10 p.m. $10 per person. 410-860-2447

Assateague Night Sounds
Assateague Island National Seashore will serve as host on Saturday night from 8-10 p.m. for the Assateague Night Sounds Trip along the fully-accessible "Life of the Forest Trail." Listen for rails, least bitterns and an owl or two. Wild sounds of ocean surf, pine trees and the stars above serve as a backdrop. Bring a flashlight and meet at Assateague Island, at the Forest Trail parking lot which is located along Bayberry Drive. $10 per person and $5 per vehicle. 1-800-852-0335.

Night Life at the Salisbury Zoo
Explore the zoo at night... Discover fascinating facts about owls, wild cats, alligators and more. No flash photos. Meet at the Zoo entrance Friday. 7pm-9:30pm. $10 per person. 1-410-548-3188.

DAY TREKS

Warblermania!
Warblermania! will take place Saturday and Sunday from 6a.m. - 11:00a.m. Meet your guide at the Ward Museum and car pool to Nassawango Creek to search for prothontary worm-eating and hooded warblers and other birds of the Cypress Swamp. Bring rain gear and field clothing. $10 per person. For info call 410-742-4888 ext. 110.

Eagles and others
On Saturday and Sunday from 7a.m - 9:30a.m. explore the diverse habitats of Pemberton's trail system to view songbirds, waterfowl, wading birds and raptors. Look for the park's breeding eagles, and visit their nesting location. Bring binoculars, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. $10 per person. To register, call 410-860-2447

Feathers at Furnace Town
The Nature Conservancy's Paul Leifer Trail winds along Nassawango Creek on boardwalks, through the Nassawango Cypress Swamp and on the tow path of the Iron Furnace Canal. See worm-eating warblers, white-eyed vireo, summer tanager, phoebe and pileated woodpeckers. Saturday and Sunday 2-4 p.m. $10. Fee includes site admission to Furnace Town Historic Site 800-852-0335

Boat Excursions
Peregrine Falcon Watch
Explore Deal Island Wildlife Management Area by boat and on foot with DNR wildlife managers for a chance to observe the rare and regal peregrine falcon and many other prestigious birds of the mud flats and marshes. Saturday - meet at Dames Quarter Boat Ramp 8:00am-11:30am and 12:30-4:00 p.m. Limit 12 people per day. $15 per person. 1-800-852-0335.

Shore Bird Explorer
Tour by boat around Skimmer Island and the north shore of Assateague Island. Glimpse wild poneies, oyster catchers, cormorants, loons and royal terns. Saturday 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., $15 per person 800-852-0335. Don't forget to attend the free reception immediatedly following this trip.

Smith Island Pelican Cruise
Depart Crisfield, MD aboard the Prime Time II for a birding trip you won't forget. Cruise by boast to Smith Island and Martin National Wildlife Refuge - closed to the general public - in the lower Chesapeake Bay. View many species of waterfowl, wading birds, shore birds, yellow-crowned night herons and brown pelicans. Saturday, 8am - 1p.m $40 per person, includes a boxed lunch. For information call 1-800-852-0335.

Make checks payable to
Wocester County and mail them to: Worcester County Tourism,
P.O. Box 208
Snow Hill, Maryland
21863
Reservations will be confirmed in writing upon receipt of payment.

Assateague Island National Seashore
Features some of the best of the best. Three outstanding one-half mile nature trails, miles and miles of beach. Saturday the National Seashore will offer an open house with entrance fees waived in observation of National Park Week. From 1pm-4pm naturalists will rove nature trails to assist visitors visitors with their birding questions. 1-410-641-1441.

The Barrier Island Visitor Center
Assateague Island features a hands-on aquarium and beach combing exhibits. A special exhibit in April will show how Assateague is trying to recover the piping plover. Ask to see Rivers of Sand, a video with outstanding bird footage. 1-410-641-1441.

Assateague State Park
Offers regular scheduled canoe trips for bird watching during the summer month. Children's programs including biological beach combs and nature walks are also available during the season. 1-410-641-2120.

Ocean City's Northside Park
Located on the bay at 125th Street... offers 58 acres laced with walking and jogging paths (around and by a great ballpark) Open throughout the weekend. Complete schedule offered 1-410-250-0125.

Stephen Decatur Memorial Park and Wildfowl Pond and Nature Trail
One quarter mile of nesting waterfowl habitat with two bird boxes. A self guided trail meanders througha man made pond over boardwalk bridges and is an excellent picnic stop. 1-410-250-2770.

Wicomico Demonstration Forest
The Wicomico Demonstration Forest is home to a diversity of birds from songbirds to waterfowl. More than 53 species have been spotted. The Forest consists of 1200 acres and is managed by DNR to demonstrated forestry, wildlife and recreational practices. It also provides a learning environment for natural resources education. The arboretum has more than 50 trees and shrubs. To receive a bird checklist or to learn more about the Forest, call 1-410-543-6745.

Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art
The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art exhibits the most comprehensive collection of wildfowl carving and art in the world. Named for Lem and Steve Ward of Crisfield, Maryland, whose skill and vision elevated traditional decoy carving to a fine art form. The museum galleries include changing exhibits, a habitat theater with a wildfowl conservation video, a recreated Ward Brother's workshop, a championship gallery and galleries tracing the history and major flyways of innumerable species of wildfowl. A recreated marsh habitat, complete with sounds of wildfowl overhead, captivates all ages. Call 1-410-742-4988

Pocomoke River State Park
The Park was named for the shad fishing industry important on the river at the turn of the century. The heavy foliage along the river and many small creeks, inlets and streams once made this an ideal hiding place for contraband vessels and serves the same puppies today for many species of birds and mammals. Activities include camping, biking, canoeing, fishing and hiking. The Trail of Change nature trail highlights historical and natural features of the forest.

Assawoman Wildlife Area
Near Fenwick Island Across the little Indian River Bay from South Bethany Beach... off of Rt 54. Great places to explore and a neat 100 foot bird observation tower. Look for more details to this great place on atlanticbreezes.com Parks and Camping. Call 1-302-739-5297

Cape Henlopen State Park
The Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay meet and the wildlife abounds. A birder's paradise with ocean voer looks, a saltwater lagoon, maritime forest, interpretive trail and a Nature Center with up-to-date birding information.Look for more details to this great place on Parks and Camping. Call 1-302-645-6852