The Seasonal Evolution of a Duck Box

I have had this Duck Box on the edge of the East Fork of the Eno River in my backyard for 7+/- years. This is the first year it served as a successful nest site for 2 species, Wood Ducks and Eastern Bluebirds. Red Shouldered Hawks on the other hand have always found the Duck Box a productive hunting perch.

Wood Duck

Wood Duck swimming In Pond

Wood Duck

Female Wood Duck has been busy laying eggs and now lining the box with her downy feathers. Incubation should begin soon. Currently, there are 10 eggs in the box.

Female Wood Duck

Female Wood Duck nesting in backyard box near creek. She is not yet incubating, but has spent 2 nights in the box this weekend. She is currently busy lining the box with her downy feathers. There are 10 eggs in the box so far. Incubation should be soon!

Wood Duck Box

Wood Duck Box over lake with 9 eggs. Noticed door jutting out at bottom so went to secure the latch but wood had swelled so latch wouldn’t keep door closed. When we opend the door, one egg fell into the water. We were able to secure the door so no more eggs would fall out and no predators could get in.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Cornell Lab of Ornithology