wood ducks

[Tanya]

Tanya's hubby John here;

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/TRV58/bestduck.jpg


Wood ducks are starting to look for nest sites. This shot is on my Dad's pond yesterday. There were three drakes and two hens. We have put nest boxes up but between squirrels, starlings and bee nests I don't think they have been used by the ducks yet.

[308Lover]

Awesome picture! They are so pretty to look at. We found squirrels to be very aggressive toward the eggs and young. Keep an eye on them and hopefully they'll use your nest.

[plumbob]

Great picture john,thats one thing I miss about the coast.

[Tanya]

Here's some more pics;



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/TRV58/Copyofmorewoodducks014.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/TRV58/Copyofmorewoodducks016.jpg

[Marc]

Now there is a couple of birds worth getting mounted. Tanya did you notice if their plumage was that nice earlier in the fall?(while the season was still open)

[Wolfman]

John, that was a beauty of a picture!


Wolfman

[Sideofabarn]

Could you make a pontoon and mount nest boxes on that? I lived on a farm years ago, and that worked well for the ducks there. The pontoon was anchored in the middle of the pond, and there were old wood crates which provided cover for the ducks on their nests. I suspect it would keep the squirrels out, and maybe some land based predators too. Not sure if you need to consult with MoE before doing this sort of thing.

[Tanya]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/TRV58/Flyingwoodduckcopy.jpg
Here is the same picture (note it has a colourful head now) thanks to a teenage son and Photoshop

[Tanya]

Marc; The older drakes had the same kind of plumage when the season was still in progress, we just don't hunt them because the numbers here are not that high and we have all taken a woody. As far as placing a pontoon out with a nesting box goes, John saw them heading toward the river where there are lots of natural spots for them to nest and no cats, fewer starlings etc... So, likely it will be better for them in that area, but it sure is nice to have them visit.

[BlacktailStalker]

Yes very nice pics, they sure are amazing looking fowl.
So far, I havent been fortunate enough to see one in the field.

[johnes50]

Real nice pictures. I think wood ducks are the purtiest ducks in the bush. I've seen a few on the Island while deer hunting.

[Tanya]

This pair is still hanging around.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/TRV58/CopyofFeb28birds006.jpg