Hello in There!

[B.C.Duck]

I count 13. Have to wonder if there all hers? Nice feeling when the nest boxes get used isn't it.

[mtaz]

I count 13. Have to wonder if there all hers? Nice feeling when the nest boxes get used isn't it.

I doubt that they are all hers. I read somewhere that it may be a 'dump nest' with over 20 eggs. That means that other hens may have also laid eggs in there. It also means that I need to put up another box next season on that pond.

Nonetheless, the mother will still rear the brood. I was back yesterday and I saw at least 10 ducklings in a group beside the box. I also saw another wood duck hen and about 10 ducklings in another pond where I have a box.

These are my first successes. Nice to see for sure.

taz

[northernympher]

That is awesome. Thanks for sharing, that picture is enought to inspire me to build some boxes.

[Gadwall]

If you see any hooded mergansers in the area, they will also lay an egg in a wood duck nest, it looks odd when you see a brood of wood duck ducklings with one that is not the same ... the young hooded will follow around the wood ducks, but instead of hiding from trouble, he tends to dive, then after the threat passes, the hooded will find the wood ducks again.

[mtaz]

Mom and 15 or so duckings are out of the box and swimming around. Didn't see any hooded mergansers this year and when I do, they never stay. A pair of swallows have already took over the wood duck box.

[Quack_Kills]

Awesome to see. Good job!

[cleveland]

Great job!!! Good looking nest box and a good crop of lil woodies for the hen!