Wood duck west nest - May 21, 2018

[@cramerhaas6890]

Enjoyed your video immensely. I have been having wood duck nesting boxes out on my pond where I live plus at my camp. I have a total of 17 in all. Put my first wood duck nesting box out on my pond when I was 18 years old and I will be turning 69 in just a few months. Never lost interest. Been very satisfying. I can not tell you how many hundreds of ducklings have jumped from my boxes but it will never be enough. The joy of watching them is endless. N. Louisiana is where this is taking place. Thanks again for your video.

[@7kabel7]

Thank you for your kind words. If you want to see more videos try my web site: birdsgv.com

[@nahdiasaltz6081]

I cannot Express enough thanks to you for this BEAUTIFUL story posting!! This is my first time I 've ever viewed how incredibly caring this mother was & in such protection!!!!.. An assurance **making Sure every single one of her babies are accounted for & Safe!!! I cannot Thank you enough for this posting!!!.This was the first time I've ever viewed something of this nature and I was sitting on pins & needles the whole time as i watched mommy in action!!!. . . . God Bless ** you**!!!!!

[@montymartin3978]

Thank you for that incredible footage! For those who are leaving negative comments about the size of the nest box, in natural cavities, these birds don't always have it that good. I asked a wildlife manager once, why a wood duck nested in my screech owl box in my aunt's woods, nearly a mile from a major water source? He said, "Some times, they (the water fowl) have to nest great distances from a major water source, because there aren't enough large cavities for them very nearby." Made sense. My cousin is currently digging a kidney-shaped one acre pond. I've asked his permission to place eastern bluebird, tree swallow and purple martin housing around it. I plan also to ask about bat roosts. And, why not wood duck boxes?!

[@robertcruickshank9551]

Monty Martin thank you

[@davebashford3753]

I was fishing in the Sierras several years ago and was lucky enough to see a bunch of merganser chicks leave their nest. What was surprising to me was the nest was 50 feet up in an old pine, and the landing zone was rocks. They'd hit and bounce a bit, lay there stunned for half a minute and then run down to mom waiting just off shore. They all survived the drop.

[@MLP88]

50 feet up? 50 feet! To rocks? How much more can I be unimpressed with humans!

[@davebashford3753]

You should check out this video of a 400' drop from the BBC, but be forewarned, it isn't easy to watch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKmqpoGAYtN4j8k

[@printolive5512]

OK, the question......what was she doing with Merganser eggs in her nest? Was she a harlot, or did the guy put the eggs in the next? Second question. Do the Merganser's grow up to land and nest in trees like wood ducks??

[@amrogers4]

@@printolive5512 I was wondering the same thing.

[@janjones8006]

Its called "egg dumping" Olive, both woods and mergansers do this, they lay eggs in others nests to raise :-D

[@manko717]

Awesome. We are putting up 6 boxes. I will upgrade my climb out ladder, after seeing yours. Thank you for recording and posting this.

[@AmphibianBoss]

I was first supersized that she layed 26 eggs, but it makes sense if a merganser layed eggs first and the wood duck highjacked the box. Either way a great turnout for conservation

[@7kabel7]

(Amusing autocorrect: surprised -> supersized) You are right that the eggs were from more than one hen (probably several), but the way that happens is more nuanced than one taking over the nest of another. Here is information about it: birdsgv.com/duckinfo.html#content4-2d

[@nealgrunstra4362]

What a LOVELY story - and thanks for dedication it took to put this all together! I have recently moved from a home with a large backyard and now live in a condo. Having some"nature withdrawal" pains, and your video was a big help.

[@lizzardbreath2372]

Oh I'm so glad I found this! I loved it! The drama of nature and beautiful actors!

[@7kabel7]

And I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for your comment. There are many more. You might like choosing them via my web site: birdsgv.com and then scroll down and select the "Videos" button.

[@cathythorp]

Absolutely beautiful. I saw a stunning male wood duck in Hyde Park, the day after the Queen's Funeral!

[@7kabel7]

Thanks Cathy. It's good to know that you liked it and yes, lots of beauty! You might enjoy my web site: live cameras in the spring, more videos and photos, information. birdsgv.com

[@daniellehner1383]

Great video! Amazing how the little ones can climb and jump from such a height. Thank you for the video!

[@أحمدصالحأبوأحمد-ت9ق]

so beautiful 😍 💖 💗 ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ and 💓 thanks 😊 🙏 😀

[@AnsariAli-ux1fu]

MashaAllah, V.nice, We Love, Mom, Dad, & Babies Duckling. Allah Bless to All, Love From Kuwait. اللہ رب العالمین حفظ و امان کل مکان ۔۔ حب الی کویت ۔۔

[@BirdBath1]

Ansari Ali, look at bird bath

[@louielouiepks]

Merganser/cuckoo duck. Little mergansers are cute with their fuzzy heads.

[@coastwiseable]

Wonderful story and clever photography ! Thanks.

[@kapaluatime]

This was a terrific educational video on the wood duck and the wood duck box. Thank you. We recently have wood ducks in our stream which I have never seen before. We have had Mallards and Mandarins but have never seen the Wood ducks. They are incredibly beautiful. We are in Southern California north of San Diego. Really enjoyed your video.

[@7kabel7]

Thank you for your comment and your appreciation! You're lucky to have Mandarins; that's one we don't have here in Minnesota. This past spring we had a Hooded Mergansers nest here for the first time (in the past they have only provided eggs for the wood duck hens to raise) and I'm working on a new video about them. If you haven't seen my web page you might enjoy checking it out: birdsgv.com You'll find links to my videos, the live cameras (but they are offline until next spring), a blog you can sign up for (not lots of traffic - I post once or a few times per week during the nesting season - and this is also idle until next spring). And there's a big page of information that you might like too: look for the "Ducks Info" button..

[@kapaluatime]

Thank you. Will definitely go to your site.

[@MySpace662]

If that's your backyard, it's beautiful

[@dayzemae9015]

That was a nail bitter! I was sweating just watching!

[@brandongreen9381]

All wood duck houses are made like that so not many predators can get in. Not all the eggs will necessary hatch that's part of the reason why they lay so many. The one that hatched late is unfortunate but its nature. Cool video, I have watched 22 ducklings jump out of there house last year it was a cool experience.

[@fannyzepeda6218]

I love wood ducks! Add a like and a reply to my comment for those who are a HUGE fan of wood ducks!

[@BirdBath1]

Fanny Zepeda, look at bird bath

[@Resenbrink]

What a great little video and very interesting, thanks for posting.

[@AnonAnonAnon]

Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing!

[@ramliahmad9]

Its very amazing that the mother can hacth & take cares of 26 babies!

[@mvl6827]

It’s even more amazing that mother duck could produce eggs from a entirely different species (merganser)... A miracle !

[@em7lycan]

I didn't know that even for ducks there's some drama. This is a good story for a telenovela and apparently there could be a Season 2 as the story of the remaining eggs and the other duckling that was left behind continues... 😊

[@bear24908]

Lovely incredible footage with amazing interpreting with narrative :))

[@moradrabia6819]

Very nice video thank you for this big job my friend

[@HuntFishLifeOutdoors]

Awesome video!

[@varadamk233]

Really great, good photography and we have to learn So many lesson.

[@errolcollins7647]

I think you need a bigger bird box, excellent video i thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@7kabel7]

Thanks for your comment and your appreciation! If you're curious about why the box is actually the right size, here's a direct link to a section of my web site about that: birdsgv.com/duckinfo.html#content4-2b

[@Rkk153]

Nice video.

[@thehooeys1392]

I have seen a lady take eggs that failed to hatch and put them under a broody hen. They all hatched about three days later.

[@mvl6827]

And then what... The hen aint no duck.

[@ЕвгенийФедоров-я7н]

You are good man which lkes nature.... God bless you Sir

[@Fran_Tluanga]

i hope you took the poor left out one and looked after it. Ducks are not that hard to raise without their mom

[@7kabel7]

Several people have asked about the duckling left behind. I apologize for being slow to reply. Please see: birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@thanksgodblessyoualwayssoo8753]

Thank god blessings the ducking!

[@duanelohr1869]

Ty for this super cool video.

[@nadeemmustafa6450]

If I were in your place I would have definitely helped the poor one left in the box

[@mvl6827]

Survival of the fittest dear. It’s for the best. Nature is not a cuddly toy.

[@nadeemmustafa6450]

@@mvl6827 true but my feelings are same

[@mvl6827]

@@nadeemmustafa6450 I understand you but, that would have been kindness of the wrong type. The little bird would likely have suffered more and longer than necessary, just because of misplaced human sentiments. Nature deals with life and death just as it should. Let it be.

[@TheLazyBrook]

Thank you! This was so informative!

[@7kabel7]

I appreciate your thanks. This video is one where I did not put my web site name at the end, so: for more info, videos, a blog, and live cameras (they are nesting now!) please visit birdsgv.com. People also have asked about the duckling that was left behind in the nest. Here’s a direct link to a page about that: birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@mxwxgxgxb]

what a beautiful video clip.

[@sk-pm8js]

The hatching night, mum can't even sleep

[@jedidiah5131]

I always thought the nesting boxes had to be above the water, interesting...

[@miloradstanojevic3784]

@The Daily Outdoorsmen Have you seen a video of a baby goose jumping off a cliff? It dosn't have to be near water, but it's supposed to be..I mean the closer the water is, the better

[@scottearll456]

Like is so hard for these little birds and that is only the first day ! We put wood duck houses up last year hoping to have some babies this spring !,

[@BirdBath1]

Scott Earll, look at bird bath

[@Alfakkin]

What about the little chick left with all the remaining eggs? Did he survive? And what about the eggs?

[@7kabel7]

Please see this page: birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@NotACop25]

Looks like some hooded merganser ducklings as well!

[@7kabel7]

Yes, as the video describes there were three of them.

[@timadams1994]

That was nice to watch 😁

[@AventureOiseauxNature]

Very Nice video my friend, I Have some vidéo of the Wood Duck on my Channel, Have a great weekend 🌈

[@Felatelist]

Isn't Mother Nature great? She works in mysterious ways!

[@Rickygunterofficial]

awesome video!

[@Dowlphin]

If a wood duck could duck under wood, under how much wood would a wood duck duck? I wasn't aware ducks will share a nest. That's amazingly social, but also kinda crazy. I guess many didn't hatch because there wasn't enough heat for all of them. Also, do you know whether they were all intended to be one hatching or whether some of the eggs maybe had abandoned-status? What you called "Murphy's Law corollary" is actually Finagle's Law of Dynamic Negatives.

[@MLP88]

Finagle's law of dynamic negatives (also known as Melody's law or Finagle's corollary to Murphy's law) is usually rendered as "Anything that can go wrong, will-at the worst possible moment."

[@Dowlphin]

The name points at it more specifically. The negatives are dynamic, meaning events will dodge away from the chance of doing good. In an extreme case you would have something happening that could actually do good, but the one instance where it would be good, it is NOT happening, but waiting for when it can do harm, and vice versa. Doesn't have to be that anything that can go wrong will, but the dynamic nature makes its impact so powerful that it seems unnecessary for anything to go wrong in order to infuriate.

[@michaelcarter5345]

Amazing video, thaks for sharing.

[@martinsalazar3354]

Love ducks♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@thomasmartin6907]

Great video. Loved it

[@sapnapg3167]

You are blessed to have seen this. Could you by any chance help the little one left in the box ? A veterinarian or forest office. Feel bad for the one left out.

[@7kabel7]

Yes, it is a blessing, and yes seeing a little one in that situation makes me feel bad too. Many have asked your question, about this video and also another where a late duckling is left behind. For more information please see this page: birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@WBBClips]

That’s a lot of leftover eggs. Aren’t there any predators that’ll clean them out?

[@7kabel7]

Yes, me. Well, I what I mean is that I clean out the nest box and replace the bedding soon after they leave. But in the wild, that is one of the things I don't know and have wondered about. A duck will often choose a nest that minimizes predator access (e.g. a woodpecker hole entrance opening too small for a raccoon), but maybe a small raccoon or weasel or marten could get in. Or perhaps after a year they desiccate and when the nest is used again the remnants are pushed aside? I don't know. For other questions there's lots of information on my web site: birdsgv.com

[@WBBClips]

@@7kabel7 Thanks for the response.

[@roshanzameer3060]

Thanks for the video.. ☺👍

[@coyoteridgeRED]

I'd like plans for nest box like that I'll build a bunch for my yard

[@cliffwatson7708]

Plans for wood duck nest box

[@RU-ei7bc]

👍👍👍Love ducklings so much 😂😂😂❤❤❤

[@davidnguyen5028]

Why is the hen there? I had heard that hens would lay eggs in the same box. Perhaps, the intruder hens is looking for her ducklings.

[@7kabel7]

Yes, these ducks do lay eggs in other nests, but she's not looking for her ducklings. For an explanation please see: birdsgv.com/duckinfo.html#content4-2d

[@markissboi3583]

uha the mesh so they climb out 😲 wonder how many boxes made deep without mesh ? chicks cant get out ? 😳

[@sandrakennedy7615]

So nice to see them

[@SAMMIsLIFE]

Not such a happy ending for the one left behind ☹,i hope u took it and raised it

[@Sarbet888]

SAMMIsLIFE that one is dead!

[@carlosalves5341]

Parabéns pelo cuidado tudo é natureza, e nós fazemos parte dela

[@7kabel7]

Several people have asked about the duckling left behind. I apologize for being slow to reply. Please see: birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@benscoles5085]

@@7kabel7 Thank You for that info, I did not know a single bit of that, I feel enlightened now

[@sage4992]

7kabel7 idk but i think that’s kinda fucked up. yeah i understand that it’s nature, but for you to sit & watch them die? it’s not natural for you to have cameras on them, yet you still do that, but you won’t save a life when you see it needs it? i happened to find one of these “last ducklings,” & you know what i did? i took her in & raised her myself. i had no experience with ducks, but i learned. i had no “equipment,” but i made due. i used my own body warmth, never leaving it’s side for three months. i sacrificed a lot; it was really difficult not being able to leave her side or leave the house. but i did it. for her. yes, it was hard. but there was no way in hell i was leaving her behind to die. we bonded & i’ve never had a stronger relationship with an animal. she’s very happy with me, much happier, i imagine, if i had turned away & let her die. i don’t care what anyone says, a life is a life. & it’s absolutely horrible to just look at that life as nothing like that.

[@أحمدصالحأبوأحمد-ت9ق]

good 👍 video 👍 📹 such more than and thanks 😊 🙏 👍

[@BirdBath1]

أحمد صالح أبو أحمد, look at bird bath

[@tara-jw8dg]

What happened to the baby duck left behind??

[@whintx76]

tara Dat Duck Done Died

[@7kabel7]

Several people have asked about the duckling left behind. I apologize for being slow to reply. Please see: birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@mohammedimran8634]

Subahanallah. God is Great..

[@falconer5830]

Love the hooded merganser chicks in there

[@rockyethridge7272]

Looks like they're about to drive her crazy

[@caseyvue5658]

Nature's Wood Ducks Awwwe Awesome.

[@jimmurphy4703]

Gona need a bigger box

[@metaldetectingengland]

Thank-you for filming this it's not something us folkes would see ..otherwise ...awesome camera work ...and thankfully the wonders of nature ...a happy ending ...may I ask what happened to the other eggs were they unfertilized ?

[@7kabel7]

And thank you for your comment. There are often eggs that do not hatch, or worse: sometimes a duckling hatches too late and is not able to leave with the others. For lots more about this please see birdsgv.com, scroll down, and follow the "Ducks Info" link.

[@metaldetectingengland]

@@7kabel7 Hi thank-you I already read all the info in the link after I posted ..super channel ...I wonder if you may enjoy one of our many videos..we have ..one that I think you will like ? Is ..Abandoned and long forgotten....😊👍it's hit over 2400 views and has been shared by many folkes .thank-you .Adrian. Simon and Roseabelle .Dorset United Kingdom PS subscribed and happy to watch your channel 😃👍❤

[@efreitas.3880]

Parabéns pelo vídeo muito bom. Viva a natureza...

[@zacharycat]

Mom went back in to see if any babies were left. Think they almost always do that.

[@Oanhrubiabaymau]

zacharycat

[@jedidiah5131]

Its not common, I have seven nesting boxes along a lake ...usually the hens just listen and they will know if all the ducklings have left....

[@FilouDuisburg]

Wunderful video!

[@deb8183]

Heinz-Werner Geisenberger each time a baby jumped the wall to get out I personally did a mini sit up. It was a great video. Now I know where they are near my home,

[@delmiralocks6500]

Que lindo e a natureza ! Esses patinhos Que maravilha

[@BirdyOfficial]

Just curious how the babies jumped from the nest box.

[@7kabel7]

There are videos that show the ducklings from inside the nest box climbing and from outside jumping. You can find these at birdsgv.com

[@pegacorn856]

There was a strip of chicken wire from the nest in the box up to the bird house opening. They climbed it. Looked real cool. What happened to the little guy that was too late to follow his family? Did you take him to a wild life foster care place? Get the eggs checked up to see if they would hatch later?

[@Blackadder75]

they climb up and out the hole and gravity does the rest.

[@msblue1003]

Lovely story

[@DewDust]

Agree!

[@glassesgaming5831]

very nice video

[@dimidomo7946]

How is it that a wood duck hen would incubate merganser eggs or vice versa? I have seen this behavior before and the question remains unanswered...oh well. There is always voided eggs or still born when nesting, eh?

[@7kabel7]

My web site provides answers for those questions and others. The main site is birdsgv.com If you scroll down you will see a "Ducks Info" button, then go to the the "Eggs & Dumping" section.

[@dimidomo7946]

@@7kabel7 Your website provided me with answers along with enjoyable, valuable information regarding wood ducks' and hooded mergansers' behaviors and peculiarities. Thank you and I will be watching the nests for any and all activity. Peace to you in Minnesota.

[@keysagrable9191]

🙏❤️🕊 I hope the little one made it.

[@goodfox9250]

I believe they took it in especially if they have kids.

[@willow9530]

two types of ducks?..... and what about the last lone duckling?

[@7kabel7]

Thanks for your comment. Answers to your questions are on my web site (birdsgv.com) ... Mergansers and Wood ducks: www.birdsgv.com/duckinfo.html#content4-2d The last duckling: www.birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@nikkoshay5403]

You should of hatched out the remaining 15 eggs. They were not bad but simply laid at a later date

[@7kabel7]

Yes, that is why they did not hatch with the others and is also why one duckling was not strong enough to leave with the others. For more information, including the reasons why I did not do as you suggested, please see this page: birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@neagucosmin3903]

And the last one who didn't jump from the nest?

[@7kabel7]

Several people have asked about the duckling left behind. I apologize for being slow to reply. Please see: birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@holgerawakens1323]

Perhaps I missed it but how did 3 merganser eggs get in with this wood duck's clutch? Did a merganser hen lay three eggs and then the wood duck took over the nest laying hers with the merganser's?

[@7kabel7]

Yes. Wood ducks and Hooded Mergansers will lay eggs in each other's nests. Multiple ducks also will lay eggs in a nest. Eventually one (wood duck or merganser) will claim and defend the nest as her own and start incubation, which causes development to start. She then does all of the incubating for a month followed by taking care of them after they hatch for a couple of months. Wood ducks and hooded mergansers have identical incubation times and similar behavior, so it works. For more information click/touch the "Ducks Info" button at birdsgv.com

[@stevemichigan541]

8 years perfect box. Just today. Two woodies came in . Do not use it. Had it 10 feet. Lowered ti 6 feet. Squirrels love laying on the lid during hear summer. Neighbor next door had them nest hollow of maple tree. It closed up. You have a square hole. Mine is oval. Look similar. I give up

[@janjones8006]

Well bless you for caring to put up boxes for them

[@rpullman]

Who and where are the mergansers' parents?

[@donnussbaum4234]

Both Hoodies and Woodies dump eggs in other duck's nests. Last year I saw a merganser flock with one little Wood Duck bringing up the rear.

[@Cat-jq2me]

@@donnussbaum4234 So then do the mother's raise the other ducklings as her own ?

[@donnussbaum4234]

Cat- The group will stick together for awhile. Safety in numbers. I can't say I ever saw a mixed flock where the little ones were half size or bigger.

[@7kabel7]

I've put a lot of information about the strange "dumping" strategy used by wood ducks and mergansers on this page: birdsgv.com - look for the "Ducks Info" link at the bottom of that page.

[@7kabel7]

I've put a lot of information about the strange "dumping" strategy used by wood ducks and mergansers on this page: birdsgv.com - look for the "Ducks Info" link at the bottom of that page, follow that, then go to the "Eggs" topic.

[@dougtwigg3285]

Great vid

[@khalidmhassan986]

I am wondering what the young have eaten since they hatch from the eggs until they leave the box, which means about 5 days

[@7kabel7]

The ducklings have nothing to eat in the nest box (except they do nibble on the empty egg shells). A mother wood duck does not bring food so to eat they must leave the nest. They hatch, stay in the nest for just one night, and then they leave and never return. The mother duck leads them to where there is food and the ducklings instinctively feed themselves. Here is much more information: birdsgv.com/duckinfo.html (Scroll down to the small heading "Ducklings")

[@khalidmhassan986]

This wooden box is not suitable for ducks because its door is high and narrow.

[@7kabel7]

There is information about the size of wood duck nest boxes on my birdsgv.com web site. Here is a direct link to that section: birdsgv.com/duckinfo.html#content4-2b

[@meowingcat]

Hi,what happen to the last duckling that hatched?

[@7kabel7]

Several people have asked about the duckling left behind. I apologize for being slow to reply. Please see: birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@debajitsharma4841]

Nice story

[@fawadrehman4506]

Then what were you doing there... you should combine them

[@7kabel7]

These are not tame, domesticated birds that I or anyone can manage. They are wild. They become very scared and flee if people try to get anywhere close to them. It also is unethical and in some cases even illegal for me to interfere with the natural behavior of wildlife. For more information please click the "Ducks Info" button near the bottom of this web page: birdsgv.com

[@Northisbest]

Good film...😀👍👍

[@Eagle00pr]

No one saved the duckling 🐥 left in the box?

[@7kabel7]

So many have commented about this. Please see birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@pollyannaprinciple5860]

I hope someone saved the other eggs and the last baby.

[@7kabel7]

Well, yes and no. Sometimes we can save the baby duck, but not the unhatched eggs. For much more information about this please see this information page at my web site: birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@7kabel7]

Also you might like my video about saving one of the late ducklings, called "Little Woodie's First Day" birdsgv.com/videos.html#youtube2-62

[@antcow1239]

A lot of abandoned eggs too

[@7kabel7]

Yes, this is common with wood ducks. For more information: birdsgv.com/duckinfo.html#content2-2m

[@mahendravishwas8327]

Why don't you put the last one with their mom

[@7kabel7]

The mom is a wild bird. She would not let me get close enough. The last one would need hours of development to be strong enough and by then she and her family are long gone - they go downstream. Several people have asked about the duckling left behind. I apologize for being slow to reply. Please see: birdsgv.com/lastduckling.html

[@viktorheinrichs1627]

Good idea with the Box. Prima.

[@joedrumer9029]

We wish good luck to the ducks 😅

[@alisonlee3314]

Incredible! Maybe she was an inexperienced mother!

[@dariushhaghighi7303]

Thankyou so much made nest

[@vuatbtvn9985]

Sir next time Make a Small hole lower of the nest For chicks could jump out

[@7kabel7]

The hole in the nest must be much above the nest itself or the hen will not use the nest box. She wants to be sure that predators such as raccoons cannot reach in to grab the eggs or the ducklings. In the wild where the nest is a hollow tree the ducklings may have to climb two meters to get up to the opening. For more information please see the "Ducks Info" link at birdsgv.com

[@415valdas]

very nice!

[@zafranmehmumod5515]

سبحان اللہ

[@agilelynx2008]

Which place is this? It's breathtaking!