By Roger Strand

Much of Nebraska lies within the High Plains region of North America, an area which was historically rich in native grasslands, low in rainfall, and largely devoid of forested habitat. Since wood ducks have evolved over thousands of years to nest in tree cavities, it might seem natural for an outsider to guess that Nebraska would have little to offer a nesting hen woodie. However, wood ducks seem to prefer riverine habitats, and Nebraska is blessed with many rivers and streams. Furthermore, in the eastern border counties, dating back to pre-pioneer times and continuing to the present, many of these waterways are lined with long stretches of mature timber.

With the onset of European settlement, breaking of the prairie sod, and control of wild fires - and with an added assist from pioneer tree planters, Nebraska’s waterways have gradually taken on a new look, more favorable to nesting Wood Ducks. In the case of the Platte River, another factor favoring riparian tree growth was construction of the Kingsley Dam in the 1930s near Ogallalla. Besides creating Lake McConaughy, it controlled flows. This control, along with de-watering of the river further upstream, has eliminated the massive scouring of the Platte’s banks and channels each spring by ice-laden floodwaters. Pioneer farmers could recall whole islands in the river disappearing, swept downstream along with any young tree seedlings that had chanced to grow.

In the 1980s, I was privileged to hunt waterfowl along the Platte upstream from Kearney. The hunts were hosted by the Petersons, who are third and fourth generation local landowners and historians. They have preserved the family photos, which document how the scene has changed. Cottonwoods, willows and elms have matured along the banks and associated wetlands. A recent phone call to Todd Peterson confirmed that nesting Wood Ducks have found their bottomlands and now sometimes show up as part of the early season hunting bounty.

Throughout their range, Wood Ducks have shown they can respond dramatically to man’s efforts to improve habitat. Bluebirds Across Nebraska, with the introduction of their Wood Duck Recovery Program, is determined to help accelerate the rate of Wood Duck population gains in the state, including the initiation of new programs where pioneering hens are beginning to appear along ancient waterways. Check out BAN’s Web site at: www.bbne.org to find out how to help.

From Central Flyway News, Jan. 22, 2006