Ward Museum's World Wildfowl
Championship
A Celebration of Wildfowl Art
and
DELMARVA Birding Weekend
April 24-26 2009

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.

DELMARVA BIRDING WEEKEND April 23th-27th, 2009
More park information
in the local area CLiCK HeRE

CANOE AND KAYAK TRIPS
All paddling done by participants; some experience required

1. Trails to Rails
Paddle the winding salt marsh trails of Little Assawoman Bay searching for elusive rails, and witness an abundance of shorebirds, wading birds, and osprey. Must be 13 years old to participate. Friday 8-11:30 a.m. $20 per single kayak; $35 per tandem

2. Paddling Prime Hook  .
Join Return to Nature outfitters to paddle the Delaware Bay shoreline between salt marsh and bay beach looking for wading birds, shorebirds, rails, and colorful songbirds. Sunday 1:30-4 p.m.; $20 per single kayak, $35 per tandem.

3. Marsh Birds of Marshy Creek  .
Paddle the winding marsh trails of the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center searching for wading birds, waterfowl, and osprey. Friday 1:30-4:00 p.m.; $20 per single kayak, $35 per tandem. Don't forget to attend the 5 p.m. tally rally at Fisherman's Crab Deck at nearby Kent Narrows!

4. Neotropicals Along the Tuckahoe  .
 Explore the winding waters of Tuckahoe State Park. Search for neotropical migrants, wading birds, and wood ducks. Friday 1:30-4 p.m.; $35 per canoe. Don't forget to attend the tally rally at Fisherman's Crab Deck at nearby Kent Narrows!

5. Prothonotary Paddle

Guided canoe trips will be offered on the Pocomoke River from Porters Crossing to Snow Hill, approximately a 4-hour trip, on Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. The Pocomoke River meanders through pristine woodlands, home to migratory warblers and woodpeckers, and offers a good chance to see a barred owl. $35 per canoe

6. Warblers on Water SUNDAY trip is .

Guided canoe trips will be offered on the Nassawango Creek, a tributary to the Pocomoke River thick with warblers, on Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. Over 9,200 acres along Nassawango Creek have been preserved by The Nature Conservancy, which makes this 3-hour trip bordered by bald cypress a beautiful one. $35 per canoe

7. Kingfishers on King's Creek

Search for belted kingfishers and Eastern kingbirds along King's Creek. This guided kayak trip takes place near historic Princess Anne, and winds through marshes, forests, and fields. Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-noon; $35 per tandem kayak

8. Cypress & Songbirds

Pocomoke River State Park will serve as the site for a 2-hour paddling adventure on Corker's Creek. Your guide will help you search for great crested flycatchers, green herons and red-shouldered hawks. Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m.; $35 per canoe

9. Thompson Island Paddle

Enjoy a unique trip to a very special place showcasing Delaware's natural and cultural history. Join Delaware Seashore State Park staff for a limited access kayak trip to bird Thompson's Island Nature Preserve located just south of Rehoboth Beach, DE. We'll land on a bayside beach at the preserve and hike in search of spring migrants visiting the forest, beach, and marsh habitats. In the event of rain, participants will travel to the preserve via van. Must be 14 years old to participate. Sunday 1-4 p.m.; $20 per person

10. Moonlight Marsh Paddle

Paddle down the remote stretches of Scarboro Creek embedded in the 10,000 protected acres that surround the EA Vaughn Wildlife Management Area along Chincoteague Bay. The expansive marsh and scattered pines make for easy viewing of eagles, herons, and egrets along with Maryland terrapins and other aquatic species of the shallow, clear waters. Saturday 6-9 p.m.; $35 per canoe

Boat Excursions
11. Poor Man's Pelagic on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry  .

 Join fellow birders for a special "poor man's pelagic" on board the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and birding at the worldfamous Cape May Light House and Higbee Beach! Enjoy the natural sights and sounds of the Delaware Bay, including opportunities to see great cormorant, gannet, and scoters. A van will deliver you to the New Jersey sites, and back to the ferry for a 2:30 p.m. departure. Join us as a foot passenger on the 9:15 a.m. departure from Lewes; and return to Lewes at 4:00 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; $50 per person, includes box lunch

12. Birding on the Broadkill  .

 Depart from Lewes on board the Lil' Angler II as you bird by boat along the Broadkill River. Search for herons, egrets, and shorebirds along Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve and the banks of the Broadkill until you reach historic Milton in time for the "Beer, Birds & Bocce" event at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry will provide shuttle transportation to Dogfish Head, and back to Lewes. Thursday 2:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (boat ride about two hours).; $35 per person

13. Shore Bird Explorer

Tour by boat around Skimmer Island and the north shore of Assateague Island. Glimpse wild ponies, oystercatchers, cormorants, loons, and royal terns. Don't forget to attend the free Birder's Social immediately following this trip. Saturday 2-4 p.m.; $15 per person

14. The Nature of Smith Island

Depart Crisfield, MD for a day-long birding cruise to historic Smith Island in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay. View many species of gulls, terns, shorebirds, herons, and brown pelicans. At midday, enjoy a walking tour and a hearty lunch of local island fare. Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; $70 per person, includes lunch

15. Tern to Tangier

Take your "tern" traveling across Tangier Sound in search of the beautiful birds of the Bay. Enjoy a family-style lunch at the famous Chesapeake House, and take a tour of historic Tangier Island by foot or by golf cart (carts cost $4). Sunday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; $70 per person, includes lunch

16. Pocomoke River Boat Trip  .

 Tour the Pocomoke River aboard the Bay Queen, and see warblers, herons and bald eagles. Don't forget to attend the Tally Rally at the Delmarva Discovery Center immediately following this trip. Saturday 2-4 p.m.; $20 per person

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