Wood Ducks

Wood Ducks. . , The Wood Duck, Aix sponsa, is arguably one of North America's most colorful waterfowl. Although rarely seen due to their reclusive habits, they are relatively abundant along the Atlantic Flyway., Natural History , Wood ducks form pairs during the winter. In early spring, the female searches for a tree cavity where she will lay their eggs and incubate them. After the ducklings hatch, they jump from the nest to join their mother on a nearby pond., Nest Boxes , Due to multiple factors, wood duck populations reached record lows at the turn of the 20th century. Efforts were made using artificial nest boxes that replicate natural cavities, and populations rebounded. Several wood duck nest boxes can be seen on the Arboretum grounds.