Wood Duck Nest Box Monitoring 2022

It’s my day to feed the raptors so after leaving the blind I take care of that, then chat with CBEC staff. As I mentioned, it is turning out to be a nice day so I decide to walk back in the direction of the pond to do a little bit of birding around the grounds. I noticed there was bird activity in the area earlier and thought I may see if I notice any nesting activity. It’s then that I saw a kit walking nearby, he joined what appeared to be his family.

As I was taking pictures of the foxes I saw a large group of ladies heading towards the pond, they were apparently looking for a particular tree. After they walked by me I glanced over toward the wood duck box and I thought I saw the hen stick her head out of the box. Luckily I had my camera with me and I got a couple of shots off. There was foliage in the way, but I was able to see it was her.

It’s 11:10am. I rush back to the blind. I try to find her, then see her in the grasses near the shoreline.

OMG - SHE IS CALLING THE DUCKLINGS!!

After 55 hours of monitoring (last year & this year) the time has finally arrived!!!

She led the family into the grasses, but there was still one duckling left who hadn’t jumped yet. When he did he didn’t see her and went into the pond. He was calling her. I wasn’t able to see where he went. I was told by Judy and Jim not to worry - she will find him.

Of course it was fantastic to finally “get the shots”, but besides that, it was wonderful to actually witness this special event. I was told it happens quickly, and it does. There was a sequence of events that put me in that spot at that moment to notice her leave the box… I’m very thankful for that.

I’ll have to admit it has been a bit of a struggle at times getting up so early, walking into the darkness (in cold and in heat) to sit for hours waiting for an event that I knew I may not witness; but, it has been a wonderful experience. I observed and experienced things I would not have otherwise been able to. It certainly does take A LOT of patience. I want to thank Jim and Judy for sharing their knowledge, encouraging me to “carry on” and for the use of a blind which made it possible.

Summary

Unlike last year (13 days), monitoring of this nest was only 3 days, therefore certain observation data is limited -

Total number of eggs - 22

Total hatched - 13

Total bad eggs - 9

This hen was the first to nest on the property. Eggs were first noticed on 15 March (not a full clutch). We had cold temperatures, even reaching freezing. The hen normally does not begin incubation until 3-4 days before the full clutch is completed. We suspect the 9 eggs that did not hatch may have froze.

6:10am
11:15am
13 eggs hatched
No, there were nine bad eggs (most likely froze).
15 March, approximately four eggs.
Approximately 29 March
Approximately 31 days.
Day One - 6:44am
Day Two - unknown
Day Three - 6:22am
None observed except day of fledging at 11:10am.

She returned at 7:01am.

26 May 2022

I got a second chance!

I learned of another nest box that had hatched, so I knew the ducklings would be jumping the next morning. Jim set up the blind and I arrived at 5:15am on 26 May. It was a very cloudy day so my pictures did not turn out very well.

Sunrise was at 5:46am, she left the box at 5:47am.