Wood ducks add splash of color to Boundary County

Recently I was in the Boundary Creek Wildlife Management Area at the north end of the county observing wildlife when I came across four drake wood ducks and one hen paddling along in the creek.

The wood duck is one of the most stunningly pretty of all waterfowl. Males are a highly ornamental dabbling duck with a green head and crest patterned with white and black, a rusty chest and ornate patterns on nearly every feather. The elegant females have a distinctive profile and delicate white pattern around the eye and a not so distinctive crest. They are brown, similar size and shape as the male, and they have a blue patch on their wing where it is often hidden.

These birds live in quiet, shallow backwater ponds. They nest in an old woodpecker hole or use a nesting box. Often they are seen flying at the edge of a forest or perched high on tree branches. They are one of the few duck species equipped with strong claws that can grip bank and perch on branches.

Unlike most waterfowl, wood ducks perch and nest in trees and are comfortable flying through woods. Their broad tail and short, broad wings help make them maneuverable. When swimming the head jerks back and forth much as a walking pigeon does. You often see wood ducks in small groups, fewer than 20, keeping apart from other waterfowl. Listen for the female’s call when these wary birds flush. The call of the male wood duck is a delicate squeak, while the female has a much harsher call. The female’s alarm call is a loud “weeek.”

The wood duck’s beauty is reflected in its name. From the Greek word “aiks” for water bird and Latin word “sponsa” for betrothed, the name infers that a wood duck looks like it is dressed for a wedding.

Wood ducks are so named because they nest in tree cavities. Look for wood ducks in Boundary County in wooded swamps, marshes, streams, beaver ponds and small lakes. They stick to wet areas with trees or extensive cattails. As a cavity nester, wood ducks take readily to nest boxes.

The young wood ducks stay in the nest cavity 24 hours after hatching and then jump, after their mothers coaxing, from up to 30 feet to the ground or water. After jumping the young ducks follow their mother, never returning to the nest.

Next time you are around a lake or stream in Boundary County if you hear a “weeek” sound as it flies away or see a duck that looks like he is dressed up for a wedding, it is probably a wood duck.

Enjoy the beauty of Boundary County and its wildlife!