SCORE!!!!

[JackpineRob]

Every now and then a guy gets lucky.

Our house sits next a small pond that supports frogs, turtles, mosquitos, and other assorted vermin.  We use it as a skating rink in the winter also.

When we moved to the property about 12 years ago, one of the first things I did was put up some wood duck houses.  The neighbors were skeptical (and rightly so, as we would find out) but over the years I have persevered.

Possums, feral cats, coons, hawks and owls have all had a hand, as well as the natural shyness of the wood ducks - they don't like to nest near kids and dogs and general mayhem.  The pond in an average year supports a couple of mallard broods, one blue-wing teal brood, and for the past 5 or so years, one wood duck brood.  Unfortunately for me, I have always missed out on the big "flydown" from the wood duck house. 

That is until tonight.

There I was.  On our screened-in backporch, listening to the Twins battle the hated Yankees, beer in one hand and grilling tongs in the other.  A chuck roast and some spuds were being cooked, and by golly - I was going to see the project through - no matter how many beers it took!

A squealing noise caught my attention - I turned the radio down - the squealing got quite intense, and pretty soon I was mesmerized as little blobs came tumbling from the cedar box wood duck house due west of me - and "PLOPPED" into the water.  I counted 7 for sure, and maybe an 8th.  The hen was an absolute basket-case.  She hit the water finally and raced around like a sheep dog herding the little blobs together, and then then headed right towards our house, with absolutely no space between her and the chicks.  It looked kinda like a water snake!

As the roast and the spuds finally reached barbecue perfection, I reluctantly put things on the serving tray and headed back inside to feed the family.  Besides, I was out of beers, and the ducks had headed into the back portion of the pond, and were no longer visible.

[deadeye]

Hard to beat that for excitment.  Almost makes you feel like a "dad".   

[PJ Maguire]

Sweet!

[Randy Kaar]

great! jackpine, you gonna post some pics?

randy aka bh

[Grute Man]

Ahh Randy you beat me to it as I was reading it.  Yes pictures would be great.   

Any plans for more wood duck houses.  Maybe some duplexes??   

Congrats.  Sounds fun.

[JackpineRob]

Sorry guys, but I have no pics of the blessed event. 

I did pull out the camera tonight to try and capture some baby birds and their mom in one of our ornamental bushes - but I am sad to report that my camera skills are somewhat lacking.  I'll try again tomorrow with the little birds once the sun is up.  The momma bird has become somewhat accustomed to me now, and lets me part the leaves and get my hand within inches before she moves.

With all of the young birds around, the pellet guns are sitting by the doors, ready to deal with any predators that rear their heads....  We set the Havahart traps baited with tuna around the yard also.

[getdowndawgg]

Way to keep the flight full

Thanks

[Big_D]

That's a great story!!!  Thanks for sharing with us