I have one Wood Duck Box left at the pond, they other was taken out by a storm, cheep box that was purchased. The one I built is still standing. Last year I had 3 baby ducks on the pond, hatched from one of the boxes, I think. They hung around the pond for just a few days, maybe a week and then they were gone. This year, I have not seen any little wood ducks on the pond, but have seen a few mature ones arrive there just before dark. My question is , am I just feeding the LMB baby wood ducks? I may move or add some boxes to the bayou instead of the pond, I don't really like the idea of feeding baby ducks to my lmb. question, how long will baby wood ducks hang around the pond before they leave? Any ideas here,

FWIW, I think the hen wood duck is acutely aware that danger lurks in many places for her ducklings. When I've seen my hens leading their hatch, they hug the shoreline like a magnet, and hop out frequently. I think she keeps them in pretty shallow water for both feeding (easier to dabble in the shallows) and for protection from 'jaws'. Not saying LMB don't strike in shallow water, just that the hen seems to defend against this type of predation as best she can.

I thought this was a good article on Duckling Survival

The article DOES suggest access to wetlands type cover is very important to duckling survival.

Thanks for the info Dr Luke, been a while since I read up on such things as duckling survival. It is possible the duckling's from last year made it to my wetlands, it's not that far away from the pond. I am leaning towards putting the wood duck boxes along the bayou. I see wood ducks, American Mergansers and other ducks in the bayou waters every so often anyway. I will keep the one box at the pond and when I get some spare time, then maybe I can add a few boxes to the wetland area and bayou.