The Wood Duck is one of the most beautiful birds you will ever see.  You should have your box placed by the beginning of February as they begin nesting early in February in the southern states and somewhat later in the north. 

Their breeding habitat is wooded swamps, shallow lakes, marshes or ponds, and creeks in eastern North America, the west coast of the United States and western Mexico. They usually nest in cavities in trees close to water, although they will take advantage of nesting boxes in wetland locations if available. Unlike most other ducks, the Wood Duck has sharp claws for perching in trees and can, in southern regions, produce two broods in a single season—the only North American duck that can do so.

Females typically lay between 7 and 15 white-tan eggs that incubate for an average of 30 days. However, if nesting boxes are placed too close together, females may lay eggs in the nests of their neighbors, which may lead to nests which may contain as many as 40 eggs and unsuccessful, this is a behavior known as "nest dumping.

After hatching, the ducklings jump down from the nest tree and make their way to water. The mother calls them to her, but does not help them in any way. The ducklings may jump from heights of up to 88 meters (290 ft) without injury. They prefer nesting over water so the young have a soft landing, but will nest up to 140 m (150 yd) away from the shoreline. The day after they hatch, the young climb to the nest entrance and jump to the ground. The ducklings can swim and find their own food by this time.

If you live near a pond or lake with trees nearby you should be able to attract the Wood Duck to your nest box.  They will readily welcome the box to nest in.  This nest box are made from 1” seasoned hardwood lumber.  The dimensions are 32” x 9 1/2” x 11”.  It has an oval entrance hole 3”x 4” located 19” from the bottom.  It has drainage holes in the floor and wire mesh under the entrance hole for the young to use in exiting the box.  Wood shavings will be included to put in the bottom for nesting.