Phil, Flag Ponds is open on weekends in the winter from 9 AM - 5 PM. "Walk-ins" are not allowed if the park is not open. The best place to find American Black Ducks there is on Duncan's Pond by sneaking up to the blind and hoping they will be there. This is not a given, though as they are actually rarely there. I would suspect that you'd have a better chance at Cove Point but since I've always been intimidated by the fence and No Trespassing signs, I've never gone in. I think at one time Jim Stasz told me it was okay to go in, but I haven't tried it. He would be the best person to contact for information on accessing that area. If I start finding black ducks there on a regular basis, I'll let you know. I don't know a really reliable spot in the county where you can find these birds. Lots are visible on the river from the PG side (Patuxent River Park) but there is not much access to the river in the north part of the county until you get to King's Landing Park. One area that you could try is the Hall's Creek WMA at the end of Ferry Landing Road. It goes down to the river but does not overlook a large marshy area as is found farther north at Jug Bay. Maybe someone else who knows more about Cove Point access will answer your request too. Arlene ///////// | || Arlene Ripley | 0 || aripley@nestbox.com | || http://www.nestbox.com ||