Duck Boxes at Hullett
Sanctuaries in the Flooded Timber
The Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) is one of North America's most stunning waterfowl, but they face a unique challenge: they are "obligate cavity nesters." This means they cannot build nests on the ground; they require hollowed-out trees, usually created as standing trees senesce, die, and rot or by woodpeckers. At Hullett, we ensure that a lack of natural hollows never limits the growth of Wood Ducks. Across the Marsh's flooded timber zones and swampy edges, we maintain a network of 118 specialized nesting boxes. These structures provide the perfect vertical habitat Wood Ducks need to stay safe from predators like raccoons and Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus). Every spring, these boxes become active nurseries where the next generation of "Woodies" begins their journey.​
Taking the leap
Jumping feet first into wildlife management
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One of the most incredible sights at the marsh is the "nest exodus." Within 24 hours of hatching, the mother Wood Duck calls from the water below, and the day-old ducklings must use their tiny claws to climb the inside of the box and leap—sometimes 10 to 20 feet—down into the water. Our boxes are specifically built with rough interior surfaces to help these tiny pioneers make that first critical climb.
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Each winter, we navigate the frozen expanse of the wetlands to perform essential maintenance and data collection, cleaning each nesting site by replacing old cedar shavings with dry bedding, while simultaneously assessing of the previous season's success. By analyzing unhatched eggs and shell fragments, we can calculate productivity rates that guide box relocation to more optimal habitats. Managing all the duck boxes at Hullett is an intensive commitment; and we can use your help! Check out Opportunities page in the winter for more information!