Mn Dnr Wood Duck House Plans

Mn DNR Wood Duck House Plans: A Guide for Building a Nesting Haven for Wood Ducks

Wood ducks are beautiful waterfowl that are a common sight in Minnesota. These cavity-nesting birds rely on natural tree cavities or man-made nest boxes to raise their young. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Mn DNR) provides detailed wood duck house plans to help you build a nesting box that will attract these colorful ducks to your property. ### Why Build a Wood Duck House? Building a wood duck house is a great way to attract these beautiful birds to your property. Wood ducks are beneficial to the environment, as they help to control insects and vegetation. They are also a joy to watch, with their bright plumage and lively behavior. ### Choosing a Location for Your Wood Duck House The best location for a wood duck house is near a body of water, such as a pond, lake, or river. The water should be deep enough for the ducks to swim and dive, and it should have plenty of aquatic vegetation for the ducks to eat. The nest box should be placed in a shady spot, away from direct sunlight and strong winds. ### Building Your Wood Duck House The Mn DNR wood duck house plans are easy to follow, even for beginners. The plans call for a simple wooden box with a slanted roof and a hole in the front for the ducks to enter. The box should be made of rot-resistant wood, such as cedar or cypress. ### Installing Your Wood Duck House Once you have built your wood duck house, you need to install it in a suitable location. The house should be placed on a post or platform that is at least 6 feet above the ground. The hole in the front of the house should be facing away from the prevailing wind. ### Maintaining Your Wood Duck House Your wood duck house should be cleaned and inspected once a year. Remove any old nesting material and check for damage. If the house is damaged, repair it or replace it. ### Tips for Attracting Wood Ducks to Your Property In addition to building a wood duck house, there are a few other things you can do to attract these birds to your property: * Plant aquatic vegetation around the body of water. * Provide a source of grit, such as sand or gravel. * Keep the area around the nest box free of predators, such as raccoons and skunks. By following these tips, you can create a welcoming habitat for wood ducks on your property. ### Conclusion Building a wood duck house is a fun and rewarding project that can help you attract these beautiful birds to your property. By providing a safe and comfortable nesting site, you can help wood ducks to thrive and reproduce.