Introduction:

When you mention any thing about waterfowl conservation to any outdoorsman, the word wood duck comes to mind. The wood duck until recently was a rarity in the upstate, but due to local conservation efforts it has become one of the most successful waterfowl conservation successes to date. Most of this success is due to the introduction of wood duck boxes into areas that welcome the duck`s habitat requirements.

About the Ducks:

The Wood duck`s natural environment are hardwoods bordering streams or permanent bodies of water, although they will settle around swamps dominated by Cypress and Gum trees. The diet of the wood duck includes hard and soft mast, insects, aquatic invertebrates (mollusk, snails, etc.), aquatic plants and seeds. Mast is the fruit of trees and shrubs, such as acorns, nuts, and berries. Due to the migratory nature of the ducks, the average feeding radius is around 25 to 30 miles daily and annual migrations reach hundreds of miles.

About the Boxes:

The nesting habitat requires areas of flooded shrubs and trees with around 50 to 75% plant cover compared to open water. Cover should remain available from February through May. The nesting cavities should be within .5 miles from water. Wood ducks usually nest in mature trees of about 16 inches, already having cavities made by woodpeckers and squirrels. These nest boxes should be put in areas where cavity trees are lacking. There should be at least one box for every 5 acres of woodland. The boxes should be around an adequate food source. The purpose of the nesting boxes is to provide a safe environment for the wood ducks to nest in. When placed properly, they should be located near brood cover or flooded vegetation that protrudes above the water into which ducklings can swim. When placed in trees they should be facing the open water with shrubbery or grassy vegetation below. When placed in the water a metal predator guard can be placed below the box so pest, such as raccoons can not get into the nesting area.