It is a fairly common migrant throughout the state, and sometimes winters here as well. They can be found at lakes, ponds, streams, or even flooded fields. Great blue herons need large trees in which to build their stick nests, as they often return to the same nest year after year, adding to the nests, which can become enormous. Because of the gradual loss of habitat, today the average number of nests in a rookery is around 30. With its colorful plumage and compact size, the wood duck looks like a colorful toy bobbing in the water.
Wood ducks have unique nesting habits.
For one, they are monogamous, meaning one male mates with one female. The females lay their eggs high off the ground in cavities of trees or man-made boxes. When they are ready to leave the nest the mother flies down to the ground or water below and calls them. The ducklings jump down landing next to the mother, never to return to the nest again. At the turn of the century wood ducks were nearly extinct.