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Buffleheads
Buffleheads are found in Canada and across the US, except in the north central states and the Appalachians.
The breeding period is from May through June, and only one brood is raised each year. They migrate south or to coastal areas in winter.
Duck Houses Inside the duck house, the ducklings have to climb from the nest to the entrance hole, so the interior should have a rough surface. Nesting material must be provided for insulation and to keep the eggs from rolling around.
Angling the house slightly forward will help the youngsters to climb out, too. It should be away from branches that may obstruct the entrance. The best place to mount the house is on a pole in the water. This protects the ducks from predators who live in areas near water, such as raccoons. It should sit about 4 to 6 feet above the water. If it is placed at the water’s edge, the house should be 10 to 20 feet high. A baffle around the pole or tree will discourage predators. Once the ducks have begun a nest in the box, do not disturb it. The female will lay her eggs in the nesting box, after which her mate has little to do with her. After hatching, the young ducklings are safe from predators only with mother in the water. So at the tender age of one day, they are called by their mothers, and they leap from the entrance hole to the water, or to the ground if the nest is in a tree over land. They follow her around for about two weeks for protection, though they are quite capable of feeding and caring for themselves at birth. One of the ducklings’ common predators is the raccoon, and one way to eliminate this threat is to place your duck house over water. It may be placed on a pole in the bottom of a lake or pond, so that it sits about 4 to 6 feet above the water’s surface. If they are placed over land, a baffle should be made around the tree or post to keep the raccoons from climbing up. |
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The Bufflehead, with its striking white sides and white patch on its head, is smaller than most cavity nesting ducks. They are dependent on nest boxes. There are many duck houses available online, check out the one you may need.
Breeds in Alaska east to western Quebec, and south in mountains to Washington and Montana. Winters in southern U.S., south to Mexico, Gulf Coast and northern Florida.