EGG SALVAGE EFFORTS

CWA runs a great egg salvage program and Regina coordinates the whole effort. The long and the short of it is our local nesting ducks have a tendency to nest in agriculture fields, especially set aside fields, wheat, hay and even in orchards where grasses are allowed to grow. Nesting season in the valley can start as early as the end of March and usually goes thru Mid June. This timing coincides with typical AG type work weather it's pre planting mowing and discing or in the grain crops harvest, and hay crops cuttings. CWA tries to gain access to fields with nesting activity  prior to any work being done to rope drag or hand line the areas for nests. If a nest is found the eggs are picked up and taken to a local hatchery where they are hatched, raised until 5-6 weeks old, banded and then let loose back into the wild. In crop type fields CWA provides egg cartons to the farmers and asks for them to stop when they flush a hen and pickup the eggs. The eggs are kept in the tractor until the end of the day and then picked up by a CWA employee or volunteer and taken to a hatchery. They also have drop off locations set up if the farmer prefers to deliver themselves.

This program is awesome and the end results are more mallards in the fields come fall! If you are a farmer or know a farmer who you think would be willing to participate in this great conservation effort please spread the word! Regina can be reached on her cell at (530)870-7589 with any questions!