The activity of a wood duck is definitely cyclical in nature. During spring, the mated wood ducks return to their familiar nesting grounds and prepare for the spring hatch of young ducklings. The nesting season is over once summer arrives and all daily activities are centered on the rearing of this year s brood. Summer is also the time that woodies go through the molting process. For centuries, poets have personified the cyclical nature of the seasons, and this is no different for the wood duck.
Fall signifies a time to move on-a new start for the wood duck.
Whether it is the sting of the early morning frost or constant hunting pressure, the woodies take flight and begin their trek to the breeding grounds. During the winter months, wood ducks mate, breed, and spend the majority of their time foraging for food. Before the sun rises, wood ducks begin swimming around and calling out to one another. At dawn, the wood ducks will leave the roost area and search for food. Even during the summer when there are young ducklings to be nurtured, then hen will leave twice during the day to feed.