Most of the outdoor activities were cancelled such as the guided canoe trips, bird walks, fly fishing demonstrations, hay wagon rides, building bluebird boxes, making recycled bird feeders, air rifle shooting station, and antique firearms demonstrations.  However, some visitors braved the elements to learn about the local natural resources on guided plant walks and dog retrieving demonstrations.  Under the tent and shop building, adults and kids alike enjoyed the fun and excitement……exhibits from over 50 natural resource organizations, live music, a children's exhibit exploring nature by the senses, a Silent Auction sponsored by the Friends of Prime Hook NWR, and demonstrations on duck calling, turkey calling, decoy carving, 18^th century gun building, and wildgame cooking.  Children also got their face painted.

            And that's not all…..A special ceremony was conducted to present the winners of the very popular 2^nd Annual Nature Photography Contest and Kid's for Conservation Poster Contest.  Over 200 spectacular photograph entries were received from nearly 70 photographers and over 50 posters were received from students from kindergarten through high school.  The Kid's for Conservation Poster Contest highlighted a partnership with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's "Project Nature Share."  This year's theme, "Habitat is Where It's At," offered a great opportunity for youth to combine their artistic talents together with their thoughts on conservation.  The goal is to educate youth about wildlife and it's relationship to our whole ecosystem.

            Other exciting events happened as part of this year's Festival.  Mayor John Bushey of Milton, Delaware proclaimed the week of October 9 through 15, 2005 as National Wildlife Refuge Week.  "I urge all Town of Milton citizens to join thousands of others across the country in learning about and celebrating the magnificent network of lands known as the National Wildlife Refuge System which we, as United States citizens, have set aside for wildlife," stated Mayor Bushey.  Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge also partnered with the organizers of the Milton Sidewalk Art Show to spread the news about each event and their connection between nature and art.

            The local media covered the event including a three minute airing of footage of the refuge by helicopter on CBS-affiliate WBOC-TV16, an announcement on local talk radio WMGD-92.7FM, and articles in several newspaper and websites.

            The 4^th Annual WATERfowl Festival and their success, and their positive impression on the visitors and exhibitors would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of volunteers, Friends, and staff.  Their collaborative efforts provided the public with a way of experiencing and enjoying wildlife, the outdoors, and our natural resources.