Wood ducklings jumping from their nest. Wood ducks usually take the leap one day after hatching and they get the 'go ahead' from mom. They can jump as high as sixty feet, but amazingly aren't injured due to their light weight. | Joy of Animals

Today, the Wood Duck is often easy to find in suitable habitat within its range. Some might find it hard to believe that as recently as the early 20th century, this species seemed to be sliding toward extinction. How did it manage to avoid the same fate as other North American bird species such as the Passenger Pigeon and Carolina Parakeet? Read on here: https://abcbirds.org/bird/wood-duck/ Video: Wood Duck | American Bird Conservancy

Wood Duck Jump day from a few years ago. Once all ducklings hatch, they all jump out of the nesting box and follow mom to water. | Kevin Thurk Photography

Wood ducks are in nesting mode right now. These wood duck boxes are part of many put up in our Duck River Bottoms area. Both wood ducks and hooded mergansers will use these artificial nesting structures. Our biologist reminds us that one of the most important parts of putting up a wood duck box is the predator guard that helps to protect eggs and ducklings. | Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge