California Waterfowl Association

WOOD DUCK PROGRAM

Producing Wood Ducks and Conservationists

Goals:
• Provide waterfowl and wetlands education
• Enhance forested riparian habitats
• Increase California’s resident wood duck population

Hatched 500,000th Wood Duck Duckling in 2008 ... and still counting!

To watch our interview with KCRA, click here>>

Since 1991, California Waterfowl’s Wood Duck Program has hatched over 500,000 ducklings from boxes placed and maintained by volunteers across the state. This is the most extensive volunteer nest box program in North America, thanks to the efforts of over 400 active volunteers statewide.

Learn more about this milestone by clicking here>>

Volunteer Information

There are many opportunities to get involved with the California Wood Duck Program. If you are interested in volunteering on an established wood duck project in your area or would like to start one of your own, contact the District Manager in your area or the CWA office at 916-648-1406.

Current Volunteers
For downloadable project and data forms click here>>

About CWA’s Wood Duck Program

The Concern
In California, wood duck habitat has been drastically reduced. Only 5% of historical forested wetlands remain in California’s Central Valley. The Central Valley is believed to be the most important wintering and nesting area for wood ducks in the Pacific Flyway.

CWA's Approach
Wood ducks are unusual ducks because they nest in the cavities of trees, along waterways such as rivers, creeks, and ponds. In California, 95 percent of these habitats have been lost. Luckily, wood ducks will also nest in man-made boxes. CWA coordinates the most extensive volunteer nest box program in the nation, hatching more than 30,000 ducklings each year. Equally important are the educational values of this program and the work that goes into restoring the duck’s riparian habitats. To learn more about the Wood Duck Program, click here>>

More Details
• Recent Accomplishments
• Learn more about Wood Duck Needs
• Program Partners
• Wood Duck Box Plans
• State Project Map
• Program Advisors

Great Gift Idea

Looking for a gift that stands out this year? CWA has wood duck boxes for your favorite waterfowl enthusiast. This is a gift that truly keeps on giving, as year after year wood ducklings make their way out into the world thanks to the great start you provide.

Fully assembled boxes are available $40. Contact Nicole Chavez at (916) 648-1406 ext. 100 or by email at nicole_chavez
@calwaterfowl.org.

SCIENCE

Wood duck hens often lay their eggs in another hen’s nest. New research techniques compare this behavior between nest boxes and natural cavities. To learn about the implications for habitat management, click here>>

POLITICS & EDUCATION

The best way to learn about wood ducks is to get involved! CWA has all the information you need to get started and boxes for sale too. To learn more, click here>>