We've been living here beside the swamp since fall, 2010. It took me a couple of years to buy cameras, and install the first, second, and then third wood duck boxes. Last year we had 12 eggs hatch in one box. I count the eggs, record the data, the number of live ducklings, and watch for hatch day.
Every year, I watch for the frog pond to thaw. Once that happens, the ducks move in. Prior to this, I clean out the nesting boxes. This includes removing old shells. They hatch, and take off within 24 hours.
On the trailcam, I spotted 3 male wood ducks, one of them guarding his female. Also, it appears to be a hooded merganser and a female with him. This is the first time ever! The mergansers nest in cavities, as well. I don't have high hopes, but we shall see!
The photos aren't great. It is a record of our events! It's been a momentous capture on the trailcam, with the date (which was a day off), the time (off by 10 min.), and the temperature.
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| Mama wood duck, May, 2017 |
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| Male and female wood ducks |
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| female hooded merganser, Bala, 2008 |
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| Wood duck, Vancouver, 2015 |
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| We have mallards on the pond, as well. They do not nest here. |
