High above the ground among the wetlands and marshes, a miracle is about to happen. In the hollow of a tree, a gray and brown female wood duck sits on her clutch of eggs. In just a few days, they will peck through the shells and hatch out as down-covered ducklings.
Right now, though, they are peeping inside their shells - and she is peeping right back. It is this preparatory communication that familiarizes the ducklings with their mother's voice. This is vital if they are to survive, because the female wood duck will soon shift from nest-sitter to survival-skills teacher and swim coach.
Within 24 hours of hatching, the ducklings must get to the water if they are to survive. The mother duck, sitting in the hole of the tree, scans the ground below. She knows mink and raccoons are often waiting in the woods. Other predators include snakes, hawks and owls. When satisfied the way is clear, she flies to the ground and begins calling her young.
Using the claws on their feet and the sharp "tooth" on their bills, they scramble approximately 8-10 inches up the inside of the tree to the opening. The mother duck is below, urging them to join her. The drop is a frightening one for the newly-hatched ducklings - especially if the nest is 30-40 feet off the ground.
Those that obey her insistent call step out and immediately tumble to the leaves below where the mother awaits. Any that refuse to make the climb up or the drop down will be left behind. The ducklings on the ground are now in the open and an easy prey, and the march to the water must begin.
Their father, the male wood duck, is often considered the most beautiful waterfowl of all. During the breeding season, his head and crest are an iridescent green and purple color, and his red eyes are a stand-out feature. The back feathers take on a metallic-black sheen and the chest is a deep red or burgundy. He also sports a bright red bill with a thin yellow base and a dark tip at the end.
Along the sides of his neck and face there are two finger-like projections that almost resemble miniature wings. The sides of the male wood duck are adorned with creamy yellow-gold feathers bordered in black and more white detail striping. All in all, he makes quite an attractive picture when courting the female. In the off season, his feathers fade to grays and browns while some white detailing remains.
Wood ducks pair up in January and by late spring, breeding begins. They nest near wetlands, fresh marshes and lakes and will prepare their nests beside (or even above) the water or further inland.
Much depends on the female, who will scout the area until she finds a hollow that fits specific qualifications. If the site is too shallow, the eggs are in danger of robbers. If it is too deep, the young ducklings will be unable to make their way out after hatching.
Breeding takes place in southern Canada and most regions in the eastern half of the United States as far south as Cuba. Western breeding sites include British Columbia and along the Pacific Coast to southern California and sometimes at scattered locations inland.
Wood ducks are the only North American duck that regularly produces two broods each year. Their clutch numbers anywhere from 6-15 eggs, but - sadly - only half will reach maturity.
In the water, the wood ducks are known as dabbling ducks. This name comes from their tendency to peck and dabble on the water's surface while foraging. They will also go tip-the-tail up or even dive below for submerged food items. Main food sources include acorns, seeds, fruits and both terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates.
Back on shore, the female leads her new ducklings into the water. Carefully chosen for its food supply and size - at least 10 acres - the lake or marsh must also provide shelter among the cattails and reeds when predators lurk nearby.
Training the ducklings usually takes several months, during which time they stay close by the mother. She will continue to communicate with them, guiding and instructing her young how to survive in the wild.
