wildlife

The Barn Owl: Friend of Agriculture and Communities

The Barn Owl is one of the most secret and highly effective nighttime predators in the world. This species is unrivaled in its effectiveness in controlling rodents such as mice and voles. It has been estimated that during a Barn Owl's approximately-10-year lifespan, it may eat approximately 11,000...

American Kestrel: The Barnyard Friend

The American kestrel is the smallest member of the falcon family found in North America. It is a common bird throughout suburban and rural areas. The male kestrel's contrasting slate blue and brown plumage often catches the eyes of passing motorists. The species nests primarily in tree cavities and...

Wildlife Plantings Food and Cover Plantings Shrub Lespedezas

Shrub Lespedezas have proven to provide excellent food for a variety of wildlife. For example, the seed of the Natob bicolor lespedeza is excellent fall and winter food for bobwhite quail, and rabbits and deer browse in the foliage. This fact sheet provides information about how best to make use of...

Wildlife Management: Mourning Doves

Mourning Doves are closely related to the common pigeon or rock dove. They are widespread and abundant, and they thrive in a variety of habitats. This fact sheet examines the natural history of Mourning Doves and explains some management techniques that will benefit this species.

Wildlife Management: Wood Ducks

The Wood Duck had often been called the most beautiful of all waterfowl because of its respledent plumage. Strict laws and prudent conservation management practices have brought it back from the brink of extinction. This fact sheet details the appearance, behavior, and habitat of the wood duck as...

Wildlife Management: Songbirds

Songbirds are an important part of our wildlife heritage. They consume great quantities of pest insects and weed seeds each year. They enrich our lives with their interesting habits, brilliant plumage, and beautiful songs. They also serve as excellent biological indicators of the health of our...

Wildlife Management: Diving Ducks

Diving Ducks, also called bay ducks or sea ducks, use the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and the coastal waters of Maryland's Eastern Shore primarily during the winter. They all dive for their food and, in taking wing, do not spring directly upward but must patter for some...

Wildlife Management: Dabbling Ducks

Maryland is extremely important to migratory waterfowl populations. Dominated by the Chesapeake Bay and adjoining wetlands, Maryland provided prime wintering habitat for waterfowl. Recently, numerous private landowners have turned to managing private lands to attract a variety of waterfowl species...

Wildlife Management: Ruffed Grouse

The Ruffed Grouse, also called the partridge, is a medium-sized, heavy-bodied bird. Its relatives include grouse, quail, pheasants, turkeys, and domestic chickens. Techniques for managing the Ruffed Grouse vary according to site characteristics, but no matter what the management technique, the aim...

Wildlife Management: Ring-Necked Pheasants

Although the Ring-necked Pheasant is an elusive bird, thouse who have seen an adult male will not soon forget his brilliant appearance. Pheasants are not native to Maryland, but there are management techniques you can use to encourage the species. This fact sheet explains those techniques along...

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