Difference between revisions of "Build a Wood Duck House"
71.54.60.143 (71.54.60.143) |
m (Text replacement - "[[Category: B" to "[[Category:B") |
||
| (5 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | + | The wood duck (''Aix sponsa'') is a colorful bird that usually nests in abandoned woodpecker holes, but will readily take to a nesting box of the correct dimensions, placed in the proper location. Early in this century, wood duck populations were in decline; with a little time and effort, and some simple woodworking tools, you can help in the comeback of this fine bird by creating a wood duck nesting box for your local feathered friends. | |
[[Category:Birdhouses]] | [[Category:Birdhouses]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
# Use sturdy wire to loop together two screws heads to secure the cleaning door. [[Get Rid of Raccoons|Raccoons]] can work a simple latch. | # Use sturdy wire to loop together two screws heads to secure the cleaning door. [[Get Rid of Raccoons|Raccoons]] can work a simple latch. | ||
#*A 1" X 11 1/4" (2.5 cm x 28.5 cm) strip can be used to hold the back of the lid in place and to further prevent rainwater leakage (see strip on lid in final image). | #*A 1" X 11 1/4" (2.5 cm x 28.5 cm) strip can be used to hold the back of the lid in place and to further prevent rainwater leakage (see strip on lid in final image). | ||
| − | #Check that the wood duck nesting box is ready to place outside. When you're happy with it, place it in a suitable location to attract the local wood ducks. Ducks Unlimited advises that a wood duck nesting box is best placed on a wooden post or a metal pole designed with predator guards.<ref>Ducks Unlimited, Wood Duck Boxes, http://www.ducks.org/Conservation/WaterfowlBiology/2716/WoodDuckBoxes.html</ref> | + | #Check that the wood duck nesting box is ready to place outside. When you're happy with it, place it in a suitable location to attract the local wood ducks. Ducks Unlimited advises that a wood duck nesting box is best placed on a wooden post or a metal pole designed with predator guards.<ref name="rf1">Ducks Unlimited, Wood Duck Boxes, http://www.ducks.org/Conservation/WaterfowlBiology/2716/WoodDuckBoxes.html</ref> |
#*Boxes placed on posts in water should be about 5 feet (1.52 meters) above the water's surface. | #*Boxes placed on posts in water should be about 5 feet (1.52 meters) above the water's surface. | ||
#*Boxes may be placed in woodlands areas up to one-half mile from water in trees or on a post at least 8 feet (2.4 meters) high, but preferably 20 feet (6.09 meters) high. To reduce the chances of predation, they should be 30 to 100 feet (9.14 meters to 30.48 meters) from the water's edge. | #*Boxes may be placed in woodlands areas up to one-half mile from water in trees or on a post at least 8 feet (2.4 meters) high, but preferably 20 feet (6.09 meters) high. To reduce the chances of predation, they should be 30 to 100 feet (9.14 meters to 30.48 meters) from the water's edge. | ||
| − | #*Keep in mind to place the box:<ref | + | #*Keep in mind to place the box:<ref name="rf1" /> |
#**Near suitable brood habitat; | #**Near suitable brood habitat; | ||
#**Near shallow, fertile wetlands with thick cover; and | #**Near shallow, fertile wetlands with thick cover; and | ||
