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Home , Bufflehead, Common goldeneye, Goldeneye (duck), Nest box, Northern flicker, Wood duck

Nest Box Guide for Waterfowl Box Guide For Waterfowl Copyright © 2008 Unlimited ISBN 978-0-9692943-8-2

Any reproduction of this present document in any form is illegal without the written authorization of Canada. For additional copies please contact the Edmonton DUC office at (780)489-2002.

Published by: Ducks Unlimited Canada www.ducks.ca

Acknowledgements Photography provided by : Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), Jim Potter (Alberta Conservation Association (ACA)), Darwin Chambers (DUC), Jonathan Thompson (DUC), Lesley Peterson (DUC contractor), Sherry Feser (ACA), Gordon Court ( p 16 photo of Pygmy ), Myrna Pearman ,(Ellis Farm), Bryan Shantz and Glen Rowan. Portions of this booklet are based on a Nest Box Factsheet prepared by Jim Potter (ACA) and Lesley Peterson (DUC contractor). Myrna Pearman provided editorial comment. NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | i 2 5 6 7 8 9 1 3 4 10 11 11 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 27 27 28 11 12 19 25 27 28 29 29 Table of Contents Table ...... Natural Cavities ...... ...... Barrow’s ...... Merganser Common ...... ...... ...... Mixed Clutches Dump ...... American Kestrel...... Northern Squirrel...... Flying Northern Owl -whet ...... OwlBoreal ...... Northern Owl...... Pygmy Northern...... Flicker ...... House Wren ...... ...... Swallow Tree Starling...... European and Bees...... Wasps ...... Choosing a Suitable Site ...... Placement ...... Twinning Box ...... Nest Boxes? Why Table of Contents Table ...... Boxes Nest Your Use That Species Wildlife Identifying Waterfowl and Dump Nests Clutches Mixed Other...... Occupants ...... Other Users Occasional ...... Construction Nest Box ...... Installing Nest Boxes ...... Maintenance ...... Predation ...... Conserving Habitat

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 1 This guide will provide plans for building a nest box, describe how to choose choose describe to how building a nest box, plans for guide will provide This once it has maintain a nest box to tips on how and provide a suitable site cavity-nesting or , could be used by nest box Your been used. guide will also assist in identifying This including some waterfowl species. box. species used your which wildlife This guide is designed to bring awareness of the issue of habitat loss and bring to awareness guide is designed This survive cavity-nesting to species for woodland old growth the need for It an opportunity also provides and reproduce. participate to hands in a are here species highlighted The management. wildlife to on approach poorly are requirements whose reproductive wildlife visible and watchable known By preserving the general public. these by and enhancing habitat for conservation, water for other species, and future the benefits cavity nesters, generations of people is immeasurable. Although most species of ducks in most species of ducks Although there Alberta on the ground, nest species of waterfowl some are cavities that nest in holes or Some of these high up in trees. through formed are cavities but many or fire, natural decay excavated been previously have Unfortunately, . by among cavity-nesting species are the to be related may This in North birds America.the most threatened In Alberta, woodlands. percent 60 over old growth and loss of wetlands lost, along with their adjacent been have of our slough/marsh wetlands (DUC) Canada Ducks Unlimited Program, the Nest Box Through woodlands. and the Alberta working been Conservation have together (ACA) Association with the long-term goal of waterfowl, for nesting cavities provide to conserving environment the most beneficial habitat remains habitat. Natural provide to way easy an inexpensive, provide but nest boxes waterfowl, for Goldeneye such waterfowl and species as the Common for nesting sites Bufflehead. Why Nest Boxes? Nest Why INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Natural Cavities Natural known are as primary A usually Woodpeckers excavators. them with a nesting place, a new which provides cavity each year excavates then used in subsequent are cavities unused old, Their shelter. and food Woodpeckers and other birds. squirrels , cavity-nesting ducks, by years perform with their cavities ecosystem a valuable function in the forest woodpeckersto surviveFor and benefiting a number of other species. old growth healthy, perform they require of cavity excavation, their role decadent trees not only the large, must have woodlots These woodlots. at all trees supply of replacement but also a healthy cavities, excavating for stages of growth.

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 2 Identifying Wildlife Species That Use Your Nest Boxes Waterfowl So how can you tell your nest box is serving its purpose? There are several species of waterfowl that may utilize the nest box. The presence of down, egg sacks and shell fragments usually indicate a successful nest. NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 5 5 to 15 eggs per nest 5 to Common Goldeneye eggs Goldeneye Common 60 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 43 mm The incubation period is 28 to 32 days, after which the young remain in the remain after which the young incubation period 32 days, The is 28 to sometimes up the water, to the female then follow They 36 hours. nest 24 to including aquatic and snails. on aquatic life and feed a mile, to (Bucephala clangula) (Bucephala Goldeneye Common throughout Goldeneye found early is an Common migrant The deep water, wherever be found and may of Canada regions the forested of A clutch woodland. old growth permanent ponds coincide with large laid between mid-April and early eggs are June. green 15 olive 5 to WATERFOWL WATERFOWL 6 to 12 eggs per nest 6 to 62 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 44 mm The Barrow’s Goldeneye prefers the Goldeneye prefers Barrow’s The of Albertamountainous regions and similar have They British Columbia. the Commonnesting habits to Goldeneye and use abandoned Woodpecker Pileated Eggs as nest sites. cavities olive to bluish green are green. Barrow’s Goldeneye Goldeneye Barrow’s islandica) (Bucephala

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 6 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 7 6 to 12 eggs per nest 6 to Bufflehead eggs 51 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 36 mm When monitoring a bufflehead box during the nesting season, gently open When monitoring bufflehead a not close the door quietly and do is present, If a female the inspection door. observe, to pleasure active and is a real little duck is always This disturb her. home. of your a pond in front have fortunate enough to are especially if you nest approximately two weeks later than goldeneye, from early than goldeneye, weeks later two Buffleheads nest approximately of ducklings the brood after hatching, A couple of days earlyMay to June. for they will remain body where water the nearest to the female follows until the flight stage. about two months, Buffleheads are small diving ducks that nest mainly in western Canada. Their Their Canada. western mainly in are small diving ducks that nest Buffleheads they whose cavities that of the Northernrange coincides closely to Flicker, laid buff-colouredeveryTheir eggs are 2 days to 1 nesting. depend on for 30 days. approximately for and incubated (Bucephala albeola) Bufflehead (Bucephala WATERFOWL WATERFOWL Common Merganser Merganser Common eggs 6 to 17 eggs per nest 6 to 66 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 46 mm ( merganser) (Mergus Merganser Common feeds Merganser the Common of the cavity-nesting ducks, largest The A and lakes. rivers found along large on and and is largely with an entrance of 4.5 x 5 this species, is needed for cavity box) (or large will include 6-17 pale buff clutch A merganser easy access. inches allowing crèches large often Mergansers form 28-32 days. for eggs and be incubated boaters by shoreline the often seen hugging and are 30 young of 15 to and fishermen.

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 8 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 9 5 to 12 eggs per nest 5 to Hooded Merganser Hooded Merganser eggs 54 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 44 mm (Lophodytes cucullatus) (Lophodytes Merganser Hooded in Canada Western nests in occasionally uncommon little merganser This with uncharacteristically white thick eggs are The areas. wooded heavily by Shy other cavity-nesting ducks. distinguish from shells and easy to on it feeds likes Hooded Merganser the ponds where quiet wooded nature, fish and various types of aquatic insects. frogs, tadpoles, WATERFOWL WATERFOWL Natural cavity Natural 10 to 12 eggs per nest 10 to 51 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 39 mm A Wood Duck’s diet consists of aquatic and diet Duck’s Wood A placed along duck nesting boxes to Thanks insects. local population the the rivers in and near Calgary, of this species is increasing. Wood Ducks are colourful, perching ducks. colourful, ducks. Ducks are perching Wood Although seldom seen in Alberta the duck they are Wood with nest boxes. that most people associate pale buff to white Ducks typically 10-12 creamy lay Incubation eggs. typically lasts 30 days. Wood Duck sponsa) ( Wood

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NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL 10 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 11 Eggs deposited in cavities where where in cavities deposited Eggs incubate to is often no attempt there nests These called dump nests. are 40 eggs of consist of one to may The waterfowl species. one or more nest is an in the absence of down no has been indication that there incubate. to attempt Dump Nests Mixed Clutches Mixed nest cavity. the same for occur when duck hens compete Mixed clutches for cared are young The successfully. both hens often hatch eggs from The the dominant hen, perhapsby the difference not knowing or recognizing of her competitor. and the young between young her Mixed Clutches and Dump Clutches Nests Mixed WATERFOWL Other Occupants These species prefer the large cavities provided by duck boxes. NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 13 4 to 5 eggs per nest 4 to American Kestrel eggs Kestrel American 35 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 28 mm Boxes should be placed fairly high, approximately 2.5 to 3.5 metres (8 to 12 (8 to 3.5 metres 2.5 to should be placed fairly approximately high, Boxes perch adults to for trees mature with in open areas ground the above feet) food. for on when searching The reddish, speckled eggs are laid on a nest of shavings or other previous speckled or other previous laid on a nest of shavings reddish, The eggs are The cavity the do not add newnest. Kestrels or box. nesting material to 30 days. 28 to in approximately and hatch both sexes by incubated eggs are dependent remain but the young month later, occurs about one Fledging another couple of weeks. on the adults for American Kestrels are small cavity-nesting falcons that eat rodents, small cavity-nestingAmerican falcons that eat rodents, are Kestrels commonly observedThey are on power perched insects. and grasshoppers this used by Nest boxes with the nest site. in association lines or dead trees on the interior of feces the whitewash by easily recognizable species are of small birds. fur and the feathers of rodent as a layer well as walls of the box, (Falco sparverius) American (Falco Kestrel OTHER OCCUPANTS OTHER OTHER OCCUPANTS OTHER The Northern Flying Squirrel may be found throughout the parkland throughout NorthernThe be found in Squirrel may Flying of western as the forests as well areas the river valleys and wooded a for cavity such as a duck box a large and northernThey prefer Alberta. nest constructed bark of fine communal winter and mosses and if mixed these arrives, When nesting season the better. so much with duck down such as disperse and raise their families in much smaller cavities squirrels waterfowl nests can then be used by or Saw- Their small woodpecker holes. people except seldom seen by are nocturnalThese creatures whet Owls. feeders. or occasionally at bird when monitoring boxes nest (Glaucomys sabrinus) Northern Squirrel Flying (Glaucomys

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NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL 14 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 15 31 mm 5 to 7 eggs per nest 5 to

(average egg) (average Actual size 25 mm Saw-whet Owl boxes should be OwlSaw-whet boxes of thick patch placed in a large as high as is woodland ungrazed 3.5 (2.5 to maintenance for feasible above 12 feet) (8 to metres level). ground Saw-whet OwlsSaw-whet do not bring nesting the cavity so eggs are material to may This laid in the existing material. or the nest of a shavings be wood occupant such as a Flying previous A successful nest contains Squirrel. fur, pellets, of regurgitated a layer and the bones of feathers, small rodents. Eggs are non-glossy are and Eggs white the upon laying incubation begins the family The male provides first egg. and small birds. frogs, with rodents, the period of a over hatch young The 5 4 to the nest for and occupy week when you If is present an owl weeks. checkingare she will likely the box, peek out the entrance hole of the box tap the tree. if you This little owl is only 17-20 centimetres centimetres is only 17-20 little owl This Saw-whet The 8 inches) long. ( 7 to who usually dweller Owl is a forest or Woodpecker a Pileated utilizes Northern raising its cavity for Flicker Owls be heard Saw-whet may young. establishing their territory in mid- with a seriesMarch of wistful toots, June. to March and nest from Northern Saw-whet Owl acadicus) (Aegolius OTHER OCCUPANTS OTHER OTHER OCCUPANTS OTHER 33 mm 2 to 7 eggs per nest 2 to 2 to 5 eggs per nest 2 to 27 mm (average egg) (average Actual size (average egg) (average Actual size 26 mm 23 mm The foothills and mountains of foothills The AlbertaWestern support a breeding owls. population of these tiny interspersed forest Mixed-wood hunting is the for with meadows They usually habitat. preferred left the Northernchoose cavities by Woodpecker. and the HairyFlicker glossy white. are Eggs Northern Owl Pygmy gnoma) (Glaucidium This northernThis species and foothills will normally owl of small forest of cavities nest in the larger and may Woodpeckers Pileated use the same cavity years several with dull white are Eggs in a row. and no markings. residential As industrial extends development into their use forest, boreal the western increase. may of nest boxes Boreal OwlBoreal funereus) (Aegolius

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NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL 16 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 17 3 to 12 eggs per nest 3 to Pileated 29 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 22 mm hatchlings Northern Flicker the also used by are Nest boxes but usually for Woodpecker, Pileated an woodpeckers are These roosting. larger important for cavity excavator cavity-nesting duck species. The NorthernThe is a midsized Flicker woodpecker and is found diet Alberta.throughout A Flicker’s their larvaeconsists of ants and trees from and pupae they forage a utilize They will or on the ground. a starling when probably nest box, their cavityhas taken and the over eggs Flicker is strong. nesting urge nest A Flicker glossy white. are of 6 typically contains an average eggs. white pure Northern Flicker auratus) ( OTHER OCCUPANTS OTHER OTHER OCCUPANTS OTHER Red Squirrels are a common species and often use nest boxes as places to as places to species and often a common use nest boxes Red Squirrels are for use nest boxes frequently They shelter. winter or for their young have bulky, are items These and seeds. such as mushrooms items storing food if to the entrance hole and should be cleaned out up often filling the box in spruce found Red are squirrels waterfowl. by be used to are the boxes such as beaked hazelnut. source with a food woodlots or mixed forests taking the chance of squirrels will reduce conifers from away boxes Placing up residence. (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) SquirrelRed (Tamiasciurus

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NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL 18 Other Occasional Users Depending on the area where boxes are located and the availability of smaller cavities, duck nest boxes may have other occasional users. 6 to 8 eggs per nest 6 to OTHER OCCASIONAL USERS OCCASIONAL OTHER House Wren Wren nest House (Troglodytes aedon) (Troglodytes 16 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 13 mm Twigs should be cleaned out of the nest boxes and replaced with wood with wood and replaced out of the nest boxes should be cleaned Twigs waterfowl. use by future for shavings House Wren Wren House with cavities will fill several spring a late migrant, industriousThis little bird, the box smaller the nest The raising a family. only one cavity using twigs, for pinkish to white white are nest. Eggs “dummy” a will build likely wrens more small spots or blotches. marked brown with reddish or extensively lightly

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NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL 20 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 21 5 to 6 eggs per nest 5 to 22 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 17 mm Mountain Bluebird eggs Bluebird Mountain Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) Mountain Bluebird a duck but if the need dictates, a much smaller nest site, prefer birds These bluish white. blue to are Eggs used. is sometimes box OTHER OCCASIONAL USERS OCCASIONAL OTHER 4 to 7 eggs per nest 4 to 19 mm OTHER OCCASIONAL USERS OCCASIONAL OTHER

(average egg) (average Actual size 13 mm eggs Swallow Tree Tree Swallows prefer a smaller box, but will often build a grass nest lined but will often build a grass a smaller box, prefer Swallows Tree pure to pink rosy are Eggs nest box. in a corner of a duck sized with feathers with no markings.white Swallow Tree bicolor) (Tachycineta

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NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL 22 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 23 29 mm 5 to 7 eggs per nest 5 to

(average egg) (average Actual size 21 mm (Sturnus vulgaris) Starling (Sturnus European North to introduced AmericaStarlings in were had They have widely. spread 1890 and have a detrimental on all the cavity effect nesters. duck eggs with nesting Starlings cover may material the eggs and cause nest or puncture desertion. of straw layers Several successive one or before be found and duck eggs may Inthe other wins and succeeds in nesting. they will occupy of high starling density, areas and often raise a second all of the cavities Starlings early nest (April) and makebrood. a and feathers. straw bulky nest of coarse grass, a light blue with an eggs are robin-sized The of 5. A successful nest is size clutch average a dirty, smelly mess and should be cleaned A dust and gloves. with the aid of a tool very Starlingsmask should also be worn. are be used to trait may though this territorial, twinning advantage by boxes nest your (see page 28). OTHER OCCASIONAL USERS OCCASIONAL OTHER OTHER OCCASIONAL USERS OCCASIONAL OTHER Wasps nest later than ducks and than later nest Wasps Honey unused boxes. only occupy per cent 5 up to occupy bees may bee where in areas of nest boxes survive may They active. keepers are easier are and a couple of years for period. out” “dry after a remove to Bumblebees often set up in the of a duck nest and do not down problems. any create Wasps and Bees and Wasps

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NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL 24 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 25 2 3 2 18 12 24 11 7.75 7.75 Length 9.5 9.5 9.5 10.5 7.75 7.75 7.75 7.75 7.75 Width 3.5 x 4.5 4 x 5 2.5 x 3 4.5 x 5 3.5 x 4 3.5 x 4 3 (round) 3 (round) (elliptical, height X width, unless otherwise height X width, unless (elliptical, indicated) Begin by nailing the shaving retainer (stop) to the floor. to (stop) retainer nailing the shaving by Begin in the middle, position the back – approximate one side to Attach 1½ in. deck screws). back (use three overlap side). (overlap 2 screws the attached side, to the front Fasten everythingtop) and screw other side (flush with the line up the Now together. at is secured the stop the floor (inset ¼ in.) inside and ensure Position to close properly. the door This allows right floor. to angles Front Strip Top Roof Bottom Strip Bottom Sides – 2 Back Door Floor Stop Nest Box Measurements in Inches Measurements Box Nest inch ¾ from is constructed Box Entrance Hole in Inches Hole Entrance Barrow’s Goldeneye Barrow’s Bufflehead Merganser Common Hooded Merganser Duck Wood Kestrel Whet Saw Owl Place 2 inches below roof 2 inches below Place Goldeneye Common 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. – Place shallow saw cuts on the inside of the door and front below below cuts on the inside of the door and front saw shallow – Place Note aid ducklingsentrance hole to the box. when leaving Nest Box Construction Box Nest NEST BOX CARE BOX NEST NEST BOX CARE BOX NEST Extra Strip Next place the door inside the front – should overlap the floor for easy the floor Next – should overlap the front place the door inside the through Hinge front, opening. placed ¼ in. below with 1½ in. nails the door. sides into part (long 4 screws with hole). the entrance roof Secure over of the extra one and the other on the Attach strips of the roof on top extra tree strips for These allow against the back. of the box, bottom and grows) as the tree (nail heads take pull through longer to growth waterproofing. secure angle to the door at a 45 degree the side into a hole through the door with a double-headed Make nail. the hole big enough so the easily. nail removes make to Drill and bottom) a couple of holes (spike in the back (top size) installation easier. Nest box designed by Jim Potter, Alberta Conservation Association, Jim Potter, by designed Nest box Potter. Division and Steve Wildlife and James Allen, Alberta Fish 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. final construction. An for use 1½ in. deck screws – Nails will not hold, Note may or a brown green Grey, of the box. oil-based stain will extend the life and or 3-4 inches of shavings Add blend in with the environment. 4-inch nails. with four tree a healthy to securely box fasten

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NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL 26 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 27 Nest boxes should be mounted on live, healthy trees. Place them so that the Place trees. healthy on live, should be mounted Nest boxes (higher ground the above (8 feet) 2.5 metres entrance hole is approximately the Secure good choices. are or poplar trees and kestrels). owls for one nail Leave and two two in the bottom. in the top with 4-inch nails, box falling if nails from the box prevent an inch to about protruding in the top on the the box Situate growth. tree the plywood due to pulled through are aid the ducklings so that it leans slightly forward to tree when they leave an allow to branches should be cleared overhanging waterfowl, For the box. the branches in place Leave hole. to the entrance unobstructed flight path cutting the nest tree, from beavers prevent In to and kestrels. order owls for but loose and staple it securely with stucco wire of the tree wrap the bottom growth. tree for room allow enough to Placement Saw-whet Owl boxes should be situated in ungrazed woodlots of at least 10 woodlots in ungrazed should be situated OwlSaw-whet boxes typeThis forest. blocks of mature larger in or adjacent to and preferably acres will also attract the Northernof area Squirrel. Flying Nest boxes installed prior to spring melt may be soon occupied by local installed prior spring be soon occupied by to melt may Nest boxes use by nest box of the population, Depending on the size ducks. breeding ducks is typically year after duringEven installation. low Be patient. the first for by a duck be investigated it may year, is not used in the first if the box carry Hens or early June in late July out nest searches year. use the following is a good shavings A saucer shape in the wood 8. of 3 to often in groups If is a the box. indication a yearling there this inspection has visited occurs, Most spring. cavity- the following 70 per cent chance she will use the box Wood However, old. 3 years 2 to nesting waterfowl do not nest until they are a go unused for boxes nest If notice that your Ducks do nest as yearlings. you another area. to be relocated need to they may number of seasons, Choosing a SuitableChoosing a Site nest Most cavity-nesting waterfowl in Alberta therefore diving ducks, are permanent ponds or streams placed near deep water, should be boxes is of water 5 acres 3 to Approximately nesting. for with adjacent woodland two boxes nest rate, Considering hatch a 66 per cent per brood. required size. a pond of this for be adequate would Installing Nest Boxes Nest Installing NEST BOX CARE BOX NEST NEST BOX CARE BOX NEST Once the boxes have been used, annual been used, have Once the boxes the highest use will promote maintenance can be maintained boxes However, rates. it is a purposes, relocation For less frequently. and mark the number the boxes good idea to for or use a GPS system locations on a map, ideal times are and winter Fall locations. remote nesting species this time, At monitoring. for shell eggs, by the unhatched can be identified or the nesting material present. fragments, Maintenance Box Twinning Box a and feedlots, such as pastures starlingIn populations, large with areas for starlings hole with a smaller entrance specifically built second smaller box likely A starlingto utilize is more the first box. just below be situated may another pair will prevent territorial, because they are and, the smaller box a nesting site thus provides first box The nesting nearby. of starling from the ground close enough to should be located starlingThe box ducks. for A 2½ inch entrance hole easy cleaning. for allow entrance) to to (6 feet a Bufflehead or as it will still allow should be used in the starling Kestrel box will Bufflehead and if a starling does not. Goldeneye, Kestrels nest there to Since waterfowl defend time. at the same twinnedpeacefully occupy boxes no conflicts are between the species at the boxes. there territory on the water, When installing the nest box, place 8 to 10 centimetres (3 to 4 inches) of (3 to 10 centimetres place 8 to nest box, When installing the and owls, as kestrels as well Cavity-nesting ducks, in the box. shavings wood do not carry materials nesting and will not typically with them nest in an during a the eggs could freeze material, little nest empty If is too box. there cold snap. Place the initial boxes overlooking can easily spot the body so ducks a water initial boxes the Place and the population utilized are the boxes As the water. from entrance hole up to in the be placed out of sight may additional boxes grows, experience to tend boxes conspicuous Less mile) away. (0.5 800 metres less predation due to success rate hatch nesting and a higher less dump to vulnerable ducklings more are However, such as . from after hatching. water the as they walk to predation

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NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL 28 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 29 Nest success is generally more than 80 per cent more Nest success is generally of a nest box. environment in the protected an In ducks have nesting comparison, ground cent. 15 per 12 to of rate success average Much of the habitat associated with cavity-nesting species is found on with cavity-nestingMuch is found species habitat associated of the private land in central and southern Alberta. Important for areas breeding waterfowl land in the parkland usually coincide with agricultural and boreal a number of ways are there or land manager, a landowner As transition zone. conserve can help to you habitat: A well constructed nest box can last for 25 years, providing nest sites for a for nest sites providing 25 years, can last for constructed nest box A well is important it that remember to variety However, of cavity-nesting species. and old trees a short-term are used when large, be solution to nest boxes and longer term solution is to secure A more unavailable. are natural cavities conserve habitat. native Conserving Habitat Predation The most important maintenance items are to ensure ensure most important to The are items maintenance 10 cm) of nesting (8 to 4 inches 3 to is always there still securely is the box and that material in the box the tree. attached to NEST BOX CARE BOX NEST Black are known to depredate nest boxes in areas where they are they are where in areas nest boxes known depredate Black bears are to discourage may the tree around loops of barbed wire Wrapping resident. box. the nest climbing to bears from Tree climbing mustelids, such as and martens, will depredate some and martens, such as weasels will depredate mustelids, climbing Tree killing a nest and cause disrupt on the nest. Squirrels may nests, the female In and shells behind. desertion yolk leaving inside the box, is eaten if an egg back from southern Alberta, so placing boxes be a problem, raccoons may the waterways. Predator as this species likes travel to help, may shorelines House cats and time consuming. unsightly but are be installed, may guards yard. your is close to the nest box if could also be a problem NEST BOX CARE BOX NEST Ensure your efforts your at conservationEnsure will be carriedfuture. the on into Avoid cutting large, dying trees that have potential for nesting cavities. for potential that have dying trees cutting large, Avoid Maintain wooded areas adjacent to wetland to encourage the presence the presence encourage to wetland adjacent to Maintain areas wooded of cavity-nesting waterfowl. Protect even small temporary wetlands/margins. small temporary even wetlands/margins. Protect to wetlands will help keep your around shrubs and trees grass, of Buffers the health protect nutrients and help to of the water and sediments out of the wetlands. clean a safe, that offer watering systems a number of off-site are There livestock. water to way overgraze not to the understory Be careful Preserve of woodlands. trees. of replacement new growth for allow to woodlots Protect your wetlands and wetland margins. and wetland wetlands your Protect Install nest boxes. » » » » » » » » » Wetlands are not only beneficial to waterfowl, but are a natural feature on feature a natural but are to waterfowl, not only beneficial are Wetlands Afterheavy rains and snow and people. the landscape that benefit wildlife helping and safely, it slowly and release water excess can hold melt, wetlands wetlands also help Healthy droughts and floods. of effects the buffer to By installing water. ground and replenish purify water, erosion, control to and conserving the opportunitynest boxes will have you habitat and the cavity-nesting waterfowl and other for nesting sites provide to pleasure a might not otherwise also provide species that you Nest boxes wildlife see. wonderful about and old, young opportunity educating the community, for and the conservationwildlife of our natural environment. » » with conservation or voluntary agreements easements Conservation Canada. as Ducks such Unlimited organizations » » » » » and selective cutting: management Woodlot » Grazing management: management: Grazing » Provide supplemental nest sites: supplemental Provide

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NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL 30

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