Ducks’ lives revolve around water, so it’s no surprise they nest atop or near water bodies. They use leaves and branches to line the nests, and their feathers come from vegetation nearby.
 
 Female ducks carefully scout out potential nest sites, often over water or in tree cavities. They choose a spot that’s safe from predators and other dangers, and one with an entry hole large enough to allow the hen to enter and lay her eggs.
 
 The best way to help ducks in their nesting quest is by placing wooden duck boxes in areas of high quality habitat. This may be as simple as a wetland patch with perennial grassland, or a small marsh that has a good mix of wetlands and natural vegetation.
 
 It’s also important that a site be free of woody debris and other obstructions, and that it provide good access to water. Ideally, the water should be open and shallow — not deep and muddy – so that young ducklings can easily swim from the nest to safety.
 
 Several other factors impact duck nesting success, including weather conditions, and the breeding habits of individual species. For example, canvasback ducks are very particular about where they nest and which wetlands they choose, and won’t settle for anything less than the best wetlands in the area. Consequently, they have a lower rate of nesting success than mallards do in the same wetlands.
 
 For this reason, it’s critical that conservationists who manage ducks consider a diversity of sites when planning their management activities.
 
   https://nestvui.com/yen-sao-khanh-hoa/  in erecting a duck nesting box is to ensure that it’s mounted correctly. A proper mount includes a 4 x 4 pole of treated lumber, and a predator guard (usually made of galvanized sheet metal) that’s mounted to the bottom. Nails, screws and hinges are other necessary components.
 
 In addition to providing a measure of protection from predators, the mounting system also needs to be anchored to the ground. Otherwise, the box can be knocked over by a predator trying to enter it from above. It’s also a good idea to remove low hanging limbs within about 30-60 feet of the box if possible, so that wood ducks can fly in and out on the wing.
 
 It’s also crucial to keep in mind that all wild birds are protected by law, and that moving a duck nest without a permit is illegal. If a mother duck isn’t leading her ducklings to water, it’s best to contact a wildlife rehabilitator instead of attempting to catch and relocate them. A licensed rehabilitator can guide the mother duck and her babies safely to a body of water while keeping them as far away from people as possible. Then the rehabilitator can start the important job of raising the young ducks to adulthood. For more information about duck nests and other wildlife, visit the GameKeepers website at GameKeepers Magazine. This article features research that was published in a TWS peer-reviewed journal. Individual online access to all TWS journal articles is a benefit of membership.