Natural Resources - Duck Nesting Tubes

The Resource Management Section constructed, installed and maintains duck nesting tubes lending assistance to the North American Waterfowl Program. Duck nesting tubes encourage greater nesting opportunities and hatchling survivability for breeding Black and Mallard ducks.

A total of four nesting tubes have been installed at Scusset and Bourne marshes. The Canal program has had only limited success due to the installation height of the tubes. The tidal range in the marsh requires a higher than normal nesting platform (5 ft.' verses 2 ft'). This elevated height may be responsible for the unsuccessful use of the nesting tubes. The Mass. Audubon Society's local representative believes that a shift to a basket design nest will be more acceptable for promoting nesting by black and mallard ducks. Future design changes will be considered after the 2002-breeding season. More birding information can be found at the website: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov.