A closer look at our Wood Ducks

One of the many signs that warmer, sunnier weather is imminent is when the birds start singing and the Wood Ducks arrive at our pond.  As in years past, they arrived on schedule, in mid-March.  But unlike previous years, we can finally see what goes on inside that nest box.  Here is a rundown of the daily routine:

• For the past couple of weeks, the two have been arriving at the pond each morning around 6am.
• While the male paddles around the pond, she lays an egg (or two?) inside the nest box.  
• Then she rotates the newest eggs in amongst the eggs she laid in previous days.  
• Once she has everything arranged to her liking, she buries the whole bunch in the wood chips.
• She leaves the box, and joins her hubby where they both dine on bugs and such around the pond shore.  
• Around 7am, they both fly off into the sunrise, not to be seen again until the following morning.  

But now we have a new routine.  Last night, April 3rd, was the first time she stayed in the box overnight.  When she got ready to leave this morning, we got a good look at her clutch.  We estimate 10 to 12 eggs.
 

Here she is burying them. 

And here's what the nest looked like as she left for the day at 6:37 (the camera clock hasn't been adjusted for daylight savings time yet).

You (or a predator) would never even know there's anything of interest in there!  Here's hoping for a successful outcome this year.