Wood Duck Nesting Boxes

With almost two feet of snow on the ground it seemed appropriate to minimize outdoor activities and catch up on some work that can be completed in a warm, dry workshop.  Other than daily incubation shed checks, I have concentrated on building wood duck nesting boxes.  These boxes will be set on poles in the Silverdale Creek Wetlands.  The small northern pond is the preferred location as it is the greatest distance from human contact and is frequented by large numbers of wood ducks.  Support poles will be placed early this spring in conjunction with work being done by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.  

The nest box design has been modified by Kiyoshi Takahashi, a member of the Burke Mountain Naturalists and an extraordinary wildlife photographer.  Kiyoshi is also responsible for a Purple Martin Colony that has been established in Port Moody.  It was through this contact that SVSES got to know Kiyoshi.  He was instrumental SVSES successful efforts to establish Purple Martin nesting on the Stave River.  The first two pictures are Purple Martin boxes located on the Stave River.  Kiyoshi is checking on the development of the baby Purple Martins hatched during the first nesting season after the box was placed on site.


The Wood duck box designed by Kiyoshi is somewhat larger than conventional designs.  this allows for communal egg incubation which sometimes occurs with this species. 

The boxes I have constructed as my pilot attempt are made from salvaged 3/4 in plywood.  In order to conserve material I have used 5/8 in plywood for some of the sides.  The pieces have been joined with decking screws and liquid nail glue.  The glue was also used to weather proof seams.  In this initial run roof boards were not cut on the appropriate bevel and caulking was required to seal the roof to the back board.  Interior corners were reinforced with 1x2.  Fire hose will be stapled in place to hinge the inspection door on the one side.