AFFECTS OF SITE VARIABLES ON NEST BOX USE BY
WOOD DUCKS AT POCOSIN LAKES NWR, NORTH CAROLINA





Russel Terry
Department of Biology and Chemistry
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783



Abstract. Pocosin Lakes NWR, located in north-eastern North Carolina, is in the heart of
the Atlantic Flyway breeding wood duck (Aix sponsa) range. I studied use of nest boxes
for the 1992 nesting season at Pocosin Lakes. Wood ducks occupied 53% ofthe nest
boxes (78 of 184). Nest success occurred in 63 of78 nesting attempts (81%). Three site
variables : orientation of entrance hole, box height, and paired/unpaired boxes thought to
influence selection ofnest boxes were studied. Chi-square statistical tests of nest box use
showed no significant selection for any of the site variables studied. Any significance to
nesting success can be attributed to a small sample size for that particular site variable and
was not considered to be a factor. Recommendations for improvement include the
addition of more nest boxes throughout the reflige and discontinued use of paired boxes.





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Lacki, J.M., S.P. George, and P.J. Vicosi. 1987. Evaluation of site variables affecting
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