Helpful Tips

• Barrow's Goldeneye prefers small lakes with abundant invertebrates (i.e., fishless lakes) with shallow shores. Lakes bordered by forest or open rangeland are preferred.
• Mount nest boxes close to water, preferably over 16' high for best chance of attracting goldeneyes.
• Place several inches of wood shavings in the box in early spring.
• Females may desert their clutch if disturbed during the first two weeks of incubation. Observe nests carefully during this time.
• Boxes can be mounted over water to reduce the likelihood of predation. Boxes on land should be equipped with a predator guard.
• Regular nest checks and removal of European Starling nests can improve nest use and success.
• Brood parasitism can negatively affect nesting success. If egg-dumping becomes a problem, move nest boxes farther apart. (Typical clutch size for this species is 6–12 eggs; larger clutches are likely the result of egg-dumping.)