Waterfowl that nest on the ref- 
uge include black ducks, blue-winged 
teal, mallards, wood ducks, and 
Canada geese. Other nesting species 
are king rails, Virginia rails, gal- 
linules , killdeers, barn owls, and 
ospreys. A complete birdlist has 
been prepared and copies are available 
at refuge headquarters. Over* 230 spe- 
cies of birds have been observed on 
the refuge. During one Christmas Bird 
Count, Blackwater listed 27 species of 
waterfowl--the greatest variety for 
any area in the entire country at that 
time. 
Mallards on refu 
e ties 
box 
The increase in the waterfowl pop 
ulation is mainly due to the consider- 
able amount of development and manage- 
ment work which has been undertaken on 
the refuge. The three main fresh-water impoundments, which have been devel- 
oped for waterfowl use, are the Dieffenbach Pool Unit, Kuehnle Tract Pool, 
and Headquarters Pool. Another area on the west side is in the process of 
development, and future plans call for more areas to be developed to accom- 
modate the large concentrations of waterfowl. These pools not only pro- 
vide fresh-water resting areas, but produce quantities of natural foods 
through the manipulation of water levels. 
Over 900 acres, mostly adjacent to the pools, are farmed to produce 
food for wildlife. The main crops include corn, millet, wheat, buckwheat, 
soybeans, barley and ladino clover. Upland game birds and animals, as well 
as waterfowl, are benefited. 
Blackwater Refuge is a picturesque area. Its wetlands are interspersed 
with dark stands of loblolly pine that often rise abruptly along the borders 
of the level marshes. Wooded tracts at varying distances from the observer 
lend perspective and, where they are reflected in mirroring water, add 
especially to the beauty and charm of the refuge. In fall the woodlands, 
particularly where sweet gum and red maple grow, make a grand show of color. 
Although waterfowl are the chief winter attraction, many marshbirds, 
shorebirds, loons, and grebes also can be observed on the refuge. Other 
interesting birds include the brown-headed nuthatches, which are permanent 
residents in the loblolly pines. On Blackwater, these birds are near the 
northern limit of their range. 
The hunting of waterfowl is not allowed on the refuge. The area 
serves, however, as a reservoir from which birds fly out in seemingly 
unpredictable patterns for daily feeding. Consequently, hunting is ben- 
efited over a wide area. 
Waterfowl habitat can be improved by muskrats when their numbers 
are properly controlled. This is accomplished through the creating of 
openings in vegetation which otherwise might be unsuitable for use by 
either ducks or geese. The muskrat population is maintained at a suit- 
able level by an annual trapping program. Foxes, raccoons, opossums, 
and skunks are the other animals which are common on the refuge. Otters 
appear to be increasing on the marshes of the refuge. White tail deer 
arc also plentiful. They prefer the wooded areas and many islands found 
on the refuge marshes for cover. 
A seaplane hangar is maintained on the refuge for use by the Bureau. 
The seaplanes are used for enforcement and other work along this part of 
the Atlantic coast. Radio facilities are available for communication on 
this area as well as with other nearby refuges and vehicles. 
Thousands of persons visit the refuge each year for viewing and photo- 
graphing wildlife. Picnic facilities, with water and rest-rooms, are 
available near headquarters, and a visitor center is under construction. 
The refuge is easily reached from Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D. C. 
via U.3. 50. From Cambridge, Maryland, drive south 7 miles on State 16 
to Church Creek, and left 4 miles on State 335. An entrance sign marks the 
northwest corner of the refuge. Headquarters are 2 miles east. 
More detailed information concerning the Blackwater National Wildlife 
Refuge can be secured at refuge headquarters, or by writing the Refuge 
Manager, R.F.D. 1, Cambridge, Maryland. The telephone number is: 
C ambr i dge AC - 8 - 26 7 7 . 
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Headquarters of Blackwater Refuge 
RL-81-R 
July 1963 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
