The wood duck is one of the most beautiful birds in our area, and a photographer’s delight. These colorful ducks are about half the size of mallards, and have short bills and wider wings than other waterfowl. They are found in forest-lined streams in the Leavenworth area, such as Icicle Creek near the Hatchery. In the winter, our wood ducks migrate to warmer areas, traveling as far as Central California. They return in the spring and begin looking for nesting sites in March or early April.

The hen lays up to 12 eggs in natural cavities or nest boxes as high as 65 feet off the ground, then covers the eggs with wood shavings or material already in the nest cavity. She will lay one egg each day, but will not incubate the eggs until her clutch is complete and she has added a thick layer of down and feathers to insulate the nest. The eggs hatch after 28 to 32 days, usually on the same day. When the hatchlings are only one day old they are ready to leave the nest cavity. The hen checks for danger, then flies to the ground and calls to her young. Using their toenails to climb out the cavity, the hatchlings leap from the nest, falling to the ground or water, then follow the hen on their first journey.

photo by Don Adams