history from 2009

Notes from 2009. On March 19, we saw the first pair of wood ducks return to the pond and investigating box #1. She laid her first egg on March 31st. By April 5th, we could see 5 eggs on camera. On April 8th, the hen stayed overnight, pulling down from her chest to pad the nest, a sign that she is finished laying eggs and ready to incubate them. On April 13th, a second female entered the box, agitating the first female. At first, they argued gently like sisters do, but as it was clear that the second female was not welcome, a heated argument ensued. The original female became more aggressive, plucking and pulling at the second female. The second female became still, probably trying to "dump" an egg in her sister's nest. Soon the unwanted visitor left the nest. By April 14th, we had 14 eggs, surely a mix of eggs from both females. On May 13th, 14 ducklings hatched. All 14 fledged the nest on May 14th.