Wood Duck Nesting Boxes

Our neighborhood has really gotten into our "Woodies" or Wood Ducks and we have several nesting boxes scattered around our cove. Some sources would say we have too many too close together. But the Woodies aren't reading those sources! This is a design enhanced by our own local Duck Lady. The first shows the hand carved male Woodie (not bad for an amateur carver!), the second shows the Plexiglas shield that holds the nest in the box while we sneak a peek occasionally (it can be lifted in it's slot for cleaning out an old nest) and the third shows it mounted over at Buster's house. It's been a very successful lake home!

What you can't see is the hardware cloth installed below the opening on the front. The babies use it to pull themselves up and out of the box when mama calls (within 24 hours of birth). They must fall at least 5 feet to get their little digestive systems started! It's amazing..they hit the water running to mama! See my sidebar link to Michelle's Rambling Woods, too. She just ran a beautiful series of photos of Wood Ducks with a great story!

How do you do that?

Ever wonder what it takes to build or repair a boathouse? Oh come on, SURE you did. Well, here's how they get the heavy equipment to the site. It's sometimes a long, slow journey. This morning I kept hearing something that sounded like heavy equipment and at first thought (hopefully) that they were working on our road. But when I looked out the other side of the house, this is what I found! These shots were taken from my deck looking over to Buster's boathouse.

Here's Buster!

Several of you have made lovely comments about my postings from Buster's yard. So, I thought today (Camera Critters Sunday) was the perfect day for you to meet Buster! You can tell by his business-like demeanor that his yard crew, house-keeper, boat-man, cook and valet would all be the best! We couldn't ask for a better neighbor! Be sure to visit Misty Dawn's site by clicking the Camera Critters link above and see more great critter shots!

This one's for you and you know who you are!

Also from Buster's yard. And especially for my favorite sailor......
Anybody wondering about Buster? Pop in Sunday for his photographic debut!

N is for Nautical Net on ABC Wednesday

Back to Buster's yard for inspiration today! See other ABC Wednesday posts at Mrs. Nesbitt's Place