Wood ducks are beautiful birds with such interesting characteristics! I remember first learning about these ducks that nest in tree cavities (and nest boxes) and thinking that that was just crazy but indeed they do!
The first week in February is the time to make sure that your wood duck nest boxes are clean and ready for the spring season. The best practices for wood duck boxes include making sure they are mounted on poles (rather than trees) with predator guards – just like we do with our bluebird nest boxes. This keeps the Wood Duck hen and her young safe from being eaten.
If you have a wooded wetland area in your community, check with the property managers and see if you can put up a wood duck nestbox!
Wood duck nest box plans and cone guards and all sorts of tips can be found on the Wood Duck Society website. They even have tips for dealing with the starlings that will try to take over the box.