Working for Waterfowl

lschultz • February 21, 2020

Written by HuronPines AmeriCorps Member Joe Dewan

 

I was interested in doing a term of AmeriCorps service because I wanted to gain experience doing hands-on conservation work. So far I have very much enjoyed my time with MUCC as I have received many opportunities to interact with conservation professionals and learn from them. On my very first day, for example, Morgan Jennings and Makhayla LaButte of the MUCC field team taught me how to properly age a deer by using the jawbone. Ever since that first day I have been politely and repeatedly asked by my friends and family to stop changing the topic of discussion to how to properly age deer jawbones.

It was not long after that when MUCC Education Director Shaun Mckeon and Makhayla asked me how much I knew about waterfowl identification, as waterfowl ID is one of the major education pieces that MUCC uses to teach folks about Michigan’s wildlife. With the answer being, I knew almost nothing about waterfowl, I started to learn as much as I could about ducks. I learned from studying MUCC’s Duck ID guide but I also relied on online resources from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service(USFWS) and Ducks Unlimited.

If I had to pick a favorite duck from my studies it would have to be the Northern Shoveler. I think that the drake with its large black spoon-shaped bill and iridescent green crown is quite visually striking. A fun fact about Northern Shovelers is that according to the USFWS they are not highly regarded as table birds because ⅓ of their diet is animal matter.

All of my studying has been in part to prepare for a quiz with Shaun and all of his duck decoys next week. Not only will this knowledge help me with our education events, but it is also fitting because of our upcoming On the Ground(OTG) and On the Water(OTW) events. The next three Saturdays MUCC is conducting field projects that focus on improving waterfowl habitat on public lands. These events are great educational opportunities. They include a free lunch and are fun for the whole family.

On Saturday, February 22nd, there will be an OTG event at the Maple River State Game Area (SGA) to remove woody brush from dikes and check wood duck nesting boxes. To register to volunteer click here.

On Saturday, February 29th, There is an OTG event at the Shiawassee River SGA in which we will be doing dike maintenance and checking wood duck boxes (Ice permitting, there is a back-up project in place). To register to volunteer click here.

On Saturday, March 7th there is an OTW event at Burchfield Park in Holt in which we will be building wood duck boxes. To register to volunteer click here.

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Clean Up at Yates Park

By Olivia Triltsch • April 23, 2026
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, MUCC’s OTG program partnered with the Clinton River Watershed Council and Metro-West Steelheaders to host the annual Clinton River clean-up at Yates Park. Volunteers removed about 270 pounds of trash from the riverbanks and the surrounding watershed. Approximately 80.3 acres of fish and wildlife habitat were directly impacted by this project, in addition to improving local outdoor recreational opportunities. Cleaning up the watershed is critical for ensuring safe drinking water, safe recreation, and a clean habitat for fish and wildlife alike.

OTG Volunteers Needed in Crawford County Tree Plantings

By Olivia Triltsch • April 16, 2026
MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) will be in the northern lower peninsula in late spring to improve habitat for wildlife. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM and Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 AM to 2 PM to plant trees across Crawford County. These projects will take place rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather, so please dress accordingly. All registered volunteers will receive lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts.

White Oaks vs Red Oaks: Why Does It Matter?

By Olivia Triltsch • April 9, 2026
Oaks are a critical tree species for wildlife in Michigan as they provide food, cover, and long-term habitat in forests, field edges, and public lands. Both red oaks and white oaks are native to Michigan, but there are differences in management between the species, making an impact on conservation and hunting success. The growth patterns are important to understand when planning for land management due to variation in growth, acorn production (mast), and wildlife use.
More Posts