Wood Duck Boxes at Caw Caw...

Wood Ducks are cavity nesters and will utilize old Woodpecker holes, naturally occurring cavities in trees, or artificial nest boxes located in forested wetlands. Because natural tree hollows are scarce, we have installed 10 artificial wood duck nest boxes at Caw Caw to support and boost local populations. Contrary to common belief, nest boxes or cavities do not have to be located in or over a pond or swamp. At Caw Caw, the nest boxes are located near standing water, but not in the water, to make accessing the boxes easier. Twenty-four hours after the chicks hatch, the hen will call to them, and they will jump from the nest box to the ground below to follow the hen to a nearby water source. The hatchlings are precocial and will immediately begin foraging for aquatic insects, small invertebrates, and vegetation.

Caw Caw, March 11, 2026

On a very unseasonably warm and humid morning, Kristina, Caroline, and I visited the Wood Duck Nest Boxes at Caw Caw. Back in January, we cleaned each box and added 5 to 6" of pine shavings. While still a bit early in the season to find eggs, we inspected each box to check for wasp nests, structural damage, and any signs of nesting attempts. Although we did not see any wood duck nesting attempts, there were Wood Ducks in the area. One nest box contained a beautifully created songbird nest, which we left in place and will monitor on our next visit. Because over half of these boxes have recently been erected, we realize it may take a while for the hens to utilize these boxes.

Caw Caw, May 8, 2026

Today, Kristina, Dennis, Edsel Taylor, and I conducted a second survey of the Nest Boxes.

Much to our disappointment, we did not find any indication of Wood Duck nesting attempts, but again discovered the beginnings of several small songbird nests. Box #7 contained three eggs, which we thought were Prothonotary Warbler eggs. Box #9 contained a very messy nest of twigs and cord grass and two eggs. Nearby, two adult Common Crackles nervously watched us as we visited their perfect secluded nesting spot!

Any day that I can spend at Caw Caw in the company of friends, fellow Master Naturalists, and Wood Duck mentor Edsel makes my volunteer opportunities even better.