For many years, we have enjoyed feeding cracked corn to the
wild Mallard ducks that come to the pond near our home. We have
gradually expanded the area where we feed them as their numbers
increase. Many nest on our tree farm, and the resulting ducklings
add to the flock. Once in a while a Wood Duck would join in the
feeding frenzy, and lately we are seeing more and more Wood
Ducks, although none have seemed to use the nest boxes that we
have put up near other ponds on our tree farm. Not that the duck
boxes have not been used--we have seen Saw Whet Owls occasionally
occupying them.
A few days ago, as at least a dozen Wood Ducks were competing
with scores of Mallards, about six of the Wood Ducks flew up into
a big Douglas-fir tree just outside our kitchen window, and
perched on a dead limb about seven feet up from the ground. It
was as if they were trying to tell us "Why don't you feed us up
here?" And so we have done just that. Bill constructed a wooden
tray of scrap lumber, and fastened it to the fir branch with
pipe clamps. It did not take the Wood Ducks long to realize we had
taken their suggestion and provided a special place for them to
feed. No more pushing and shoving with the aggressive, bigger and
heavier Mallards below. Even the gaudy Mandarin drake that has
been visiting us for several years has joined the Wood Ducks in
their elevated feeding station. The Steller's Jays have found the
feeder as well, and spend their days stuffing themselves with
cracked corn to cache somewhere in poke holes. All in all, a very
entertaining addition to our aviary circus.

Bill and Erin Woods Woods Tree Farm Redmond, WA U.S.A.
<wwwbike at halcyon.com>