Ducks that like trees viewpoint

This sign at this viewpoint along the Horan Natural Area trail reads,

Ducks That Like Trees

Wood ducks know what they want when it comes to a nest. Under natural conditions, they choose cavities in trees where they can build a nest and lay about ten eggs. Without the right spot for its nest, a wood duck is less likely to lay eggs or raise a brood. Because there are few trees with cavities in this park, the Chelan County Public Utility District No. 1 has provided wooden boxes to attract nesting wood ducks.

In the early 1900s these beautiful ducks were endangered by overhunting and destruction of wetland forests. As a result of strict limits on hunting and implementation of nest box programs to offset loss of habitat, they are again one of the most abundent ducks in North America.

If you look across this channel you can see a nesting box in a dead tree at the water's edge.