Each fall we look forward to the return of the Wood Ducks in the forested wetlands area of Ayers Creek. While wood ducks can be found in the region year round, we rarely see them on the creek during the warmer months. As the temperatures cool, we are fortunate to observe large populations of this beautiful bird. Wood ducks are easy to spot with their boxy crested head, thin neck, and bright eye and bill. The male wood duck is exceptionally beautiful with a vibrant green head, chestnut breast, and colorful wings. The female is brown and grey speckled with a beautiful blue and white coloring on her wingtips.

The wood duck nests in tree cavities near water. In some areas natural nesting cavities are scarce, so the Wood Duck readily uses nesting boxes provided by environmental organizations and birding stewards. They prefer a smaller opening, as little as 4 inches, to ensure the best protection from predators. Female wood ducks are known for egg-dumping, laying their eggs in another female's nest cavity and leaving them to be raised by the other female.

The Wood Duck eats seeds, fruits, and insects and feeds by dabbling, short shallow dives. The Wood Duck is an extremely strong flyer and can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. When you startle a brood of wood ducks to flight it often sounds as if a helicopter is taking off nearby.

Visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to learn more about this beautiful and interesting bird.