Wood Duck

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

Order: Anseriformes              Family: Ducks, Geese and Swans (Anatidae)

It’s always fun to see someone’s reaction the first time they see a Wood Duck sitting in a tree. Wood Ducks nest in natural tree cavities and they also readily accept an artificial house hung on a tree or pole near (or in) the water. While the male will hang around while the female lays her eggs (one egg per day), he quickly loses interest as soon as she starts sitting on the nest full time. The female is left to rear the young by herself. Within 24 hours after the young hatch they leave the nest.  They jump from the nest (sometimes very high in a tree) to the ground or the water.