North Carolina Aquarium Recruiting the Public to Assist in Creating Wood Duck Nesting Boxes

By Julie Powers

Atlantic Beach, NC - Team up with the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and help a wood duck find a snug place to nest. The Aquarium hosts a wood duck nesting box workshop on Saturday, Jan. 16, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. The registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 8.

Participants get hands-on assistance in assembling pre-cut parts into nesting boxes to take home. The family-friendly workshop also covers how to mount the boxes to suit the habits and habitats of this distinctive waterfowl.

Unlike most North American duck species, wood ducks nest in trees. They seek out cavities in sycamores, oaks and other trees fringing wetlands, ponds, rivers and marshes. The tiny ducklings leap unharmed to the ground or water from sometimes towering heights shortly after hatching.

Natural nesting sites can be scarce, and the hen sometimes resorts to depositing eggs on top of an existing clutch if she can’t find her own hollow. This “nest dumping” often results in inadequate incubation.

Wood ducks readily take advantage of properly placed nesting boxes, and people living near appropriate habitat often install boxes to encourage the presence of the colorful creatures. During breeding season, the male’s crested head shimmers with iridescent green and purple plumage, accented by white stripes and bright red eyes.

“It’s the most beautiful duck in the world,” said Aquarium Educator Todd Spangler, coordinator of the workshop.

Advance registration by Jan. 8 is required and space is limited. The fee is $45 per box. Family members and groups are welcome to work together on one or more boxes; all participants must be at least 8 years old.

The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except New Year’s Day, when it is closed. Admission is $8 for ages 18-61; $7 for ages 62 and up; $6 for ages 6-17; no charge for ages 5 and under and members of the North Carolina Aquariums. The Aquarium is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Atlantic Beach, NC 28512. See www.ncaquariums.com  or call 252-247-4003 for more information; dial extension 257 to register for the duck box workshop.

Photo: Male wood duck, North Carolina Aquariums photo

To view North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores' web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-728-North_Carolina_Aquarium_at_Pine_Knoll_Shores