>> At 09:00 AM 3/16/97 -0800, Rob Saecker wrote:
>> >Does anyone know if wood ducks will nest on a pond that dries up in the
>> >summer? Thanks...
>> >
Hi Rob,

If the surrounding habitat is condusive to wood ducks, I don't see why they
would worry too much about the pond drying up - provided there is other
water in walking distance. Mother ducks will often take their broods to
ponds not in the immediate proximity to the nest.

In fact, Bellrose (1976) mentions studies showing marked woody hens moving
seven times through four different ponds in a 47 day period of time.

The only worry I can see is if your pond is "locked in" by buildings, roads
or other hazardous impediments that would prevent her from moving the brood
once hatched. Woodys will not achieve minimal flight capability until 8 to
10 weeks of age and they aren't really accomplished until 12.

Hope this helps a bit.

Peggi
Ben & Peggi Rodgers
Aptos, CA (near Santa Cruz)
USA
woodduck at cruzio.com


"A bird does not sing because it has an answer,
It sings because it has a song"