These young duck callers battle it out in competition.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Ducks A-Calling at 2013 Saginaw Bay Waterfowl Festival
Crowds treated to great weather and fun activities at State Park
August 4, 2013
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By: John Keuvelaar
From the moment you stepped out of your vehicle, the honking sounds of ducks and geese filled the air. But the sounds were not from our feathered friends, as exhibitors and contestants showed off their skills of replicating their sounds much to the delight of festival goers. But there was much more to take in than just the calls as all ages enjoyed all the festival had to offer.
This exhibitor explains the proper technique for making calls with his duck call.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
The well organized event truly offered something for everyone. Kids' activities ran the gambit from future duck stamp drawings to canoe racing. There was even a "Dunk a DNR Officer" as this spirited event dropped many an officer into the tank. Others participated, and impressively so, in duck calling contests. But the educational experience for all was immeasurable.
Family canoe races was just one of the activities offered at this year's festival.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
This father went a bit "overboard" in his effort to win their event.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Besides business exhibitors, Frank Burghy of Pinconning was there along with his 56 years of carving ducks. Having started as a young lad, he learned to whittle and carver with his grandfather. By high school, he had learned to hunt ducks in the Weale area. Soon, people were asking him to carve their decoys and a passion had turned into a livelihood. Now, he seeks to keep the passion alive as he teaches the craft while selling carving tools and supplies.
Frank Burghy shows off his original duck carvings when he got started.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
An early example of Frank Burghy ducks carved a few decades ago.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Wilma provided hands on real world approach to the festival. Wilma is an eleven year old Barred Owl presented by Barb Rogers of the Wildlife Recovery Association. This live owl served to bring the classroom to the young and all ages as everyone walking by had to get a rare look at such a beautiful bird. Much to everyone's surprise was the variety of foods it eats beyond the usual mice. The marsh provides a great restaurant for this magnificent bird.
Wilma, a Barred Owl, allowed an upclose experience for all generations to enjoy.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Along with live owls and ducks, there were talented local exhibitors showing their special wares. One lady was selling bird houses that were so detailed; I kept expecting a person to walk out of the door. Another special exhibit was called intarsia wood carvings. These designs were made by local artist Roy Shawl and resembled a jigsaw puzzle in the way they were put together. Beautiful.
The artist sits behind her beautiful bird house creations. Here you see an adobe hut.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Roy Shawl sits ready to discuss the making of his intarsia wood carvings.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
This artists talks with festival goers about her inspiration for her paintings.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
This artist paints a farm scene on a saw blade.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
There were lots of creative nature crafts.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
But the best surprise was the Visitor Center. This is truly a jewel in the Recreational Area. In the Center is located the interpretive room where the area watershed is explained and displayed. This is beautifully done with more than exhibits. The real life displays with taxidermy creatures is one of the best in the state.
Located within the Center for the festival was the Experts for this event. Kevin Perry had a very impressive taxidermy display including his State Competition blue ribbon steelhead trout. Perry is a past president of the Taxidermy Association of Michigan. Waterfowl carver Robert Gubbins showed off his talents and wildlife photographer Kim LeBlanc and wildlife artist Jim Wardynski explained and displayed their creations.
Kevin Perry's Blue Ribbon Steelhead trout.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Visitor Center's indoor exhibit with a monitor hooked up to various outdoor cameras.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
The Festival, presented by the Michigan DNR and Michigan Duck Hunters Association, was well supported by the area businesses including Dow, Cabalas and Franks Great Outdoors to make a first class event. With mild temperatures and sunny skies, it was enjoyable for everyone. Hey, all that was missing was the beards and the tea Jack.
Exhibitor begins carving using chain saws.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
A finished product of his chain saw sculpture.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Mother Nature joined in on the fun as these swans and their youngsters nested right near the pier.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Great view of the Swan family.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
John Keuvelaar
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John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College.
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