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Nest Box Guide FOR WATERFOWL Alberta edition Box Guide For Waterfowl Copyright © 2008 Ducks Unlimited Canada ISBN 978-0-9692943-8-2 Reprinted 2011

Any reproduction of this present document in any form is illegal without the written authorization of Ducks Unlimited 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, Gordon Court (page 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.

Plywood for construction of nest boxes provided by Windsor . NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | i 7 8 9 2 5 6 1 3 4 27 27 28 10 11 11 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 11 28 29 29 12 19 25 27 Table of Contents Table ...... Placement Twinning Box Dump Northern Squirrel Flying Northern Owl -whet OwlBoreal Northern Owl Pygmy Northern Flicker Red Squirrel Mountain Bluebird Swallow Tree Starling European and Bees Wasps Mixed Clutches Common Merganser Common Hooded Merganser Duck American Kestrel House Wren Choosing a Suitable Site Barrow’s Goldeneye Barrow’s Natural Cavities Goldeneye Common Maintenance Mixed Clutches and Dump Nests Clutches Mixed Other Occupants Other Users Occasional Construction Nest Box Predation Conserving Habitat Installing Nest Boxes Identifying Wildlife Species That Use Your Nest Boxes Your Use That Species Wildlife Identifying Table of Contents Table Nest Boxes? Why Waterfowl NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 1 Introduction Why Nest Boxes? Nest Why in most species of ducks Although there Alberta nest on the ground, some species of waterfowl 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 related be may This in North America.the most threatened In Alberta, woodlands. 60 percent over and old growth loss of wetlands been lost, along with their adjacent 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 the most beneficial environment habitat remains habitat. Natural provide to easy way an inexpensive, provide but nest boxes waterfowl, for such waterfowl Goldeneye and species as the Common for nesting sites Bufflehead. of the issue of habitat loss and bring to awareness guide is designed This survive cavity-nesting species to for woodland old growth the need for It an opportunity also provides and reproduce. participate to in a hands 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. choose describe to how building a nest box, for plans guide will provide This once it has maintain a nest box to tips on how and provide a suitable site cavity-nesting by or birds, could be used nest box Your been used. guide will also assist in identifying This including some waterfowl species. box. species used your which wildlife 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 unused cavities old, Their shelter. and food Woodpeckers and other birds. squirrels , cavity-nesting by ducks, 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 Waterfowl 5 to 15 eggs per nest 5 to eggs Goldeneye Common (Bucephala clangula) (Bucephala 60 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 43 mm Common Goldeneye Goldeneye Common throughout Goldeneye is an early diving duck found Common The migrant 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 the in remain after which the young incubation period 32 days, The is 28 to sometimes up the water, to the female They then follow 36 hours. nest 24 to including aquatic insects and snails. on aquatic life and feed a mile, to 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 They have 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 Waterfowl 6 to 12 eggs per nest 6 to Bufflehead eggs 51 mm (Bucephala albeola) (Bucephala

(average egg) (average Actual size 36 mm Bufflehead Their Canada. western nest mainly in are small diving ducks that they whose cavities that of the Northernrange coincides closely to Flicker, laid buff-colouredeveryTheir eggs are to 2 days 1 nesting. depend on for 30 days. approximately for and incubated 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 stage. until the flight about twomonths, box during the nesting season, gently open When monitoring a bufflehead close the door quietly and do not is present, If female a the inspection door. observe, to pleasure active and is a real duck is always little This disturb her. home. of your a pond in front have fortunate to enough are especially if you Waterfowl Common Merganser Merganser Common eggs 6 to 17 eggs per nest 6 to 66 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 46 mm The largest of the cavity-nesting ducks, the Common Merganser feeds feeds Merganser the Common of the cavity-nesting ducks, largest The and lakes. A rivers found along large on fish and crustaceans and is largely of 4.5 x 5 with an entrance 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 the shoreline often seen hugging and are 30 young of 15 to and fishermen. (Mergus merganser) (Mergus Merganser Common

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 8 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 9 Waterfowl 5 to 12 eggs per nest 5 to Hooded Merganser Hooded Merganser eggs (Lophodytes cucullatus) (Lophodytes 54 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 44 mm Hooded Merganser Merganser Hooded in Canada Western occasionally nests in 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, and various fish types of aquatic insects. frogs, tadpoles, 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 plants and diet Duck’s Wood A placed along duck nesting boxes to Thanks insects. the local population the rivers in and near Calgary, of this species is increasing. Wood Duck sponsa) (Aix Wood colourful, ducks. Ducks are perching Wood Although seldom seen in Albertathe duck they are Wood with nest boxes. that most people associate pale buff to white Ducks typically creamy 10-12 lay Incubation eggs. typically lasts 30 days.

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 10 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 11

Waterfowl Dump Nests 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 in the nest is an absence of down has been no indication that there incubate. to attempt Mixed Clutches Mixed the same nest cavity. for duck hens compete occur when 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 Nests Mixed Other Occupants These species prefer the large cavities provided by duck boxes. NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 13 Other Occupants 4 to 5 eggs per nest 4 to American Kestrel eggs Kestrel American (Falco sparverius) (Falco 35 mm

(average egg) (average Actual size 28 mm American Kestrel small cavity-nestingAmerican eat rodents, falcons that Kestrels are commonly observedThey are on power perched insects. and grasshoppers this used by Nest boxes in association with the nest site. lines or dead trees on the interior of feces the whitewash by easily recognizable species are birds. of small fur and the feathers of rodent as a layer well as walls of the box, speckled or other previous reddish, laid on a nest of shavings The eggs are The the cavitynest. Kestrels do not add new nesting material or box. 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 12 (8 to 3.5 metres 2.5 to should be placed fairly high, approximately Boxes perch adults to for trees with mature in open areas ground the above feet) food. for on when searching Other Occupants (Glaucomys sabrinus) (Glaucomys The Northern Flying Squirrel may be found throughout the parkland throughout NorthernThe found be 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 of fine barkcommunal winter and mosses and if mixed these When nesting season arrives, so much the better. 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 by seldom seen are nocturnalThese creatures whet Owls. feeders. or occasionally at bird when monitoring nest boxes Northern Flying Squirrel

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

(average egg) (average Actual size 25 mm

Northern Saw-whet Owl only 17-20 centimetres is 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 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 OwlsSaw-whet do not bring nesting the cavitymaterial so eggs are to may This laid in the existing material. a or the nest of 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. 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 (Aegolius acadicus) (Aegolius Other Occupants 33 mm 2 to 5 eggs per nest 2 to 7 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 is the hunting 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 normally will 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 use their forest, boreal the western increase. may of nest boxes Boreal OwlBoreal funereus) (Aegolius

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 16 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 17 Other Occupants 3 to 12 eggs per nest 3 to Pileated

29 mm

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

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 House Wren House Wren nest (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 This industrious little bird, a late spring migrant, will fill several cavities with cavities will fill several spring a late migrant, industriousThis little bird, the smaller the nest box The raising a family. twigs, using only one cavity for pinkish to white white are nest. Eggs “dummy” likely will build a more wrens small spots or blotches. marked brown lightly or extensively with reddish House Wren Wren House

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

(average egg) (average Actual size 17 mm (Sialia currucoides) Mountain Bluebird eggs Bluebird Mountain Mountain Bluebird 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 4 to 7 eggs per nest 4 to 19 mm Other Occasional Users

(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 box, a smaller prefer Swallows Tree pure pink to rosy are Eggs nest box. in a corner of a duck sized with feathers with no markings.white Swallow Tree bicolor) (Tachycineta

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 22 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 23 29 mm 5 to 7 eggs per nest 5 to Other Occasional Users (average egg) (average Actual size 21 mm (Sturnus vulgaris) (Sturnus European Starling 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 or puncture the eggs and cause nest 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. bulky straw 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 verymask should also be worn. Starlings are be used to though this trait may territorial, twinning advantage by nest boxes your (see page 28). Other Occasional Users Wasps and Bees and Wasps than ducks and later nest Wasps Honey unused boxes. only occupy 5 per cent up to occupy bees may bee where in areas of nest boxes surviveThey may keepers active. are easier and are 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

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 24 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 25 3 2 2 18 12 24 11 7.75 7.75 Length Nest Box Care Box Nest 7.75 9.25 9.25 9.25 10.5 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) Fasten the front to the attached side, 2 screws (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 Begin by nailing the shaving retainer (stop) to the floor. to (stop) retainer nailing the shaving by Begin position in the middle, the back – approximate one side to Attach 1½ in. deck screws). back (use three overlap

Bottom Strip Bottom Sides – 2 Front Strip Top Roof Back Door Floor Stop Nest Box Measurements in Inches Measurements Box Nest ¾ inch plywood from is constructed Box 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 Entrance Hole in Inches Hole Entrance 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. – Place shallow saw cuts on the inside of the door and front below below of the door and front cuts on the inside saw shallow – Place Note aid ducklingsentrance hole to the box. when leaving Nest Box Construction Box Nest Nest Box Care Box Nest Extra Strip a couple of holes (spike size) in the back (top and bottom) to make to Drill and bottom) a couple of holes (spike in the back (top size) installation easier. Attach one of the extra one and the other on the Attach strips of the roof on top extra strips tree 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 Drill a hole through the door with a double-headed Makenail. enough so the the hole big easily. nail removes Next place the door inside the front – should overlap the floor for easy for easy the floor Next – should overlap inside the front place the door the through Hinge front, opening. in. below in. nails placed ¼ with 1½ door. the sides into (long part 4 screws with the entrance hole). roof Secure over

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 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 of shavings 3-4 inches Add blend in with the environment. 4-inch nails. with four tree a healthy to securely box fasten 9. 7. 8. 6.

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 26 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 27 Nest Box Care Box Nest Placement them so that the Place trees. healthy on live, should be mounted Nest boxes (higher the ground 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 about an inch to 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 the entrance hole. to 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 Installing Nest Boxes Nest Installing SuitableChoosing a Site nest Most cavity-nesting waterfowl Alberta in 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 nest boxes rate, Considering a 66 per cent hatch per brood. required a pond of this size. for be adequate would local prior installed spring be soon occupied by to may melt Nest boxes use by of the population, nest box Depending on the size ducks. breeding ducks is typicallyEven duringyear after Be patient. installation. low the first for by a duck be investigated it may year, is not used in the first if the box Hens carry June or early in late July out nest searches year. use the following is a good shavings 8. A saucer shape in the wood of 3 to often in groups If is a the box. indication a yearling there has visited this inspection occurs, Most spring. cavity- the following 70 per cent chance she will use the box Wood However, old. 3 years 2 to nesting waterfowlthey do not nest until are a for go unused If nest boxes notice that your Ducks do nest as yearlings. you area. another to be relocated to need they may number of seasons, 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 attractof area the Northern Squirrel. Flying 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 with a smaller entrance hole specifically built second smaller box likely A starlingto utilize the first box. is more just below be situated may another pair will prevent territorial, because they are and, the smaller box site a nesting thus provides first box The nesting nearby. of starling from the ground close enough to starling should be located The box ducks. for hole A 2½ inch entrance easy cleaning. for allow to entrance) to (6 feet Bufflehead or a will still allow should be used in the starling as it Kestrel box will if a starling Bufflehead and does not. Goldeneye, Kestrels nest there to Since waterfowl defend at the same time. 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 4 (3 to 10 centimetres to place 8 nest box, When installing the as kestrels and owls, as well Cavity-nesting ducks, in the box. shavings wood do not carry materials nesting with them and will not typically nest in an during a could freeze the eggs little nest material, 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 boxes the As the water. from entrance hole up to of sight in the be placed out may additional boxes grows, experience to tend boxes conspicuous Less (0.5 mile) away. 800 metres less predation due to success rate a higher hatch less dump nesting and vulnerable to ducklings more are However, such as raccoons. from after hatching. the water as they walk to predation

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 28 NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 29 Nest Box Care Box Nest Nest success is generally more than 80 per cent than 80 more Nest success is generally box. of a nest environment in the protected an In nesting ducks have comparison, ground 15 per cent. of 12 to rate success average Conserving Habitat a for nest sites providing 25 years, can last for constructed nest box A well it is important that remember to varietyHowever, of cavity-nesting species. and old trees a short-term are be used when large, solution to nest boxes term and longer is to solution secure A more unavailable. are natural cavities conserve habitat. native on with cavity-nestingMuch species is found 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: Predation The most important maintenance items are to ensure ensure most important to The are items maintenance of nesting 10 cm) 4 inches (8 to 3 to is always there still securely is that the box and material in the box tree. the attached to Tree climbing mustelids, such as weasels and martens, will depredate some some and martens, as weasels such will depredate mustelids, climbing Tree killing and cause disrupt a nest on the nest. Squirrels may nests, the female In and shells behind. desertion yolk leaving inside the box, if an egg is eaten 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 unsightly and time consuming. but are be installed, may guards yard. your is close to if the nest box could also be a problem they are where in areas nest boxes knownBlack bears are depredate to discourage may the tree around loops of barbed wire Wrapping resident. the nest box. climbing to bears from Nest Box Care Box Nest Avoid cutting large, dying trees that have potential for nesting cavities. nesting for potential that have dying trees cutting large, Avoid efforts your at conservationEnsure will be carried the future. on into Maintain wooded areas adjacent to wetland to encourage the presence encourage the presence to wetland adjacent to Maintain areas wooded of cavity-nesting waterfowl. Protect your wetlands and wetland margins. wetland and wetlands your Protect small temporary even wetlands/margins. Protect to wetlands will help keep your around and trees shrubs 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 Install nest boxes. » » » » » » » » » Conservation easements or voluntary agreements with conservation or voluntary agreements easements Conservation Canada. as Ducks such Unlimited organizations » on feature a natural but are to waterfowl, not only beneficial are Wetlands After heavy rains and snow and people. the landscape that benefit wildlife helping and safely, it slowly release and water hold excess can 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 habitat you and the cavity-nesting waterfowl and other for nesting sites provide to pleasure a might not otherwise also provide that you species Nest boxes wildlife see. wonderful about and old, young opportunity educating the community, for the conservation and wildlife of our natural environment. » » » » selective and cutting: management Woodlot » » » Provide supplemental nest sites: supplemental Provide » management: Grazing

NEST BOX GUIDE FOR WATERFOWL | 30 Developed in partnership with:

North American Government Gouvernement Wetlands of Canada du Canada Conservation Act