Nesting boxes needed for wood ducks

Be kind to our web-footed friends – build a nesting box for a wood duck.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores makes it a fun family activity in a Saturday afternoon workshop to be held Jan. 16.

Participants get hands-on assistance in assembling pre-cut parts into nesting boxes to take home. The workshop also covers how and where to mount the boxes to best suit the habits and habitats of this distinctive waterfowl.

One of only a few North American duck species to nest in trees, wood ducks seek out cavities in sycamores, oaks and other trees fringing wetlands, ponds, rivers and marshes and readily take advantage of properly placed nesting boxes.

Advance registration for the workshop is required and space is limited. The fee is $45 per box; family members and groups are welcome to work together on one or more boxes. Participants must be at least 8 years old.

For more information, call the aquarium at 252-247-4003, ext. 257.