Episode: Beavers

Purpose: To create a means of viewing aquatic life and making a nesting place for the wood duck.

Materials for Underwater Viewer: Large coffee can, rubber bands, can opener, metal file and plastic wrap.

Instructions for Underwater Viewer:

1) Cut out both ends of the coffee can.

2) File the rough edges smooth.

3) Place a piece of plastic wrap over one end of the can and secure it in place using the rubber bands (this is the bottom end).

4) Place the bottom end of the viewer into a body of water to observe the aquatic life below!

Materials for Wood-Duck Nesting Box: A board (1 inch x 12 inches x 9 feet), table saw, skill saw or pre-cut pieces of lumber (see dimensions below), a 18-inch x 3-inch piece of hardware cloth, poultry-netting staples, decking wood screws, two hinges, drill, bits and screwdriver attachments, 4-inch hole saw, ruler and a pencil.

Instructions for Wood-Duck Nesting Box:

1) Cut the wood into the following sizes: top — 15 inches x 14 inches, two sides — 12 inches x 24 inches rear and 12 inches x 23 inches front, the back — 10 inches x 24 inches. The front is 10 inches x 23 inches, and the bottom is 10 inches x 10 inches.

2) On the front piece of the nesting box, cut a 4-inch x 3-inch elliptical entrance hole. The hole should be positioned 4 inches from the top.

3) Staple the hardware cloth inside the front of the nesting box, below the entrance hole (this will provide traction for the ducklings to climb out).

4) Screw the sides, front and bottom pieces together.

5) Place the top in position, and secure the hinges to the top and back of the box. This will allow for easy cleaning.

6) Drill 3-4 ¼ drainage holes in the bottom. Place about 4 inches of sawdust or wood shavings in the bottom of the box.

7) Hang the finished nesting box in a tree or on a pole at least 5 feet above the water. The addition of a predator guard will increase the chances of a successful nesting area.