Nest Boxes for Goldeneyes and remember to take your camera

[Rod Mercer]

Just wanted to leave a note about the nest box photos I just uploaded...last winter I put a few around the ponds that I hunt and we just put up the first of this year that my 9 an 11 year old daughters nailed together..I think it is a great way to give a little back (not to mention that if even one of your boxes produces a nest, then you have an excellent chance of a shot in the fall)!

Also wanted to note that this site has reminded me to take my camera in the woods! Most of my pics are `after-the-hunt` taken when I get out of the woods or back to the truck...I love the action photos other members have posted, I check in almost daily to look for new pics...excellent site...

Best Regards

Rod Mercer

[Stephen Way]

Plans for nest boxes can be found from Ducks Unlimited.
For Goldeneye some people cut the entrance hole a little larger (say about 1/2" extra is all, not much or else it doesn't work as well). You can use just about any extra material lying around. Very important to ensure there is rough wood, material or kerfs cut below the entrance hole so the ducklings have something to get their claws in to escape after hatching. As for bedding, use planer shavings or other large bedding material. Do NOT use sawdust as it can suffocate the young.
It's best to place the boxes in the winter, but it may take a season or two for the box to get used. They often scout nesting sites in the fall. Once they start using the box they often return year after year. I know some people on the island that are getting near 100% usage of their boxes
As for height, 6 - 8 feet off the ground is OK. It's best to place the boxes on smaller ponds and not so much the large lakes. Apparently also, no need to put on an isolated tree or on a point, it's better if the tree is a little protected, as long as the ducks have a clear flight path to and from the water.
A couple years ago the provincial gov't did place some boxes, perhaps if we as a group wrote the minister we can get it going on an ongoing basis to offset the loss of our forest. The lack of nesting sites is probably the biggest bottleneck affecting our Goldeneye and boxes has the potential to really increase this population

[Fred Woodman]

Do you have any plans available for constructing these nest boxes.

[Edward Smith]

Maybe we should do this as a group! People in various places throughout Newfoundland and Labrador place these in their favorite hunting spots, Can't hurt!

[Rod Mercer]

From the info I have read nest boxes should be 10 to 15 feet off the ground and within a 100 feet from water

[Rich Reeves]

Some good info on nesting boxes....
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/newslett.nsf/all/acc7506

[Rich Reeves]

The nest boxes are a great idea! I know very little about the nesting habits of waterfowl, how far from the water and how high up do you usually place the nest boxes? Do you put straw in the boxes?