Near Ridgely in Caroline County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Wood Ducks
The Wood Duck, Aix sponsa, is arguably one of North America's most colorful waterfowl. Although rarely seen due to their reclusive habits, they are relatively abundant along the Atlantic Flyway.
Natural History
Wood ducks form pairs during the winter. In early spring, the female searches for a tree cavity where she will lay their eggs and incubate them. After the ducklings hatch, they jump from the nest to join their mother on a nearby pond.
Nest Boxes
Due to multiple factors, wood duck populations reached record lows at the turn of the 20th century. Efforts were made using artificial nest boxes that replicate natural cavities, and populations rebounded. Several wood duck nest boxes can be seen on the Arboretum grounds.
Erected by Chesapeake Bay Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment.
Location. 38° 57.187′ N, 75° 56.03′ W. Marker is near Ridgely, Maryland, in Caroline County. It can be reached from Eveland Road 0.2 miles north of Sawmill Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, in the Tidewater, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Adkins Arboretum (within shouting distance of this marker); Ridgely, MD 1888 - 1917 (approx. 2½ miles away); a different marker also named Frederick Douglass (approx. 2.6 miles away); Ridgely Railroad Station (approx. 2.6 miles away); St. Pauls Episcopal Church (approx. 2.6 miles away); Ridgely Memorial Park (approx. 2.6 miles away); The Drinking Fountain (approx. 2.7 miles away); Saulsbury House - Fifer Hospital - Ridgely House (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in
Another marker is no longer nearby. Frederick Douglass (was approx. 2.6 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 5, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
