Wood Duck and Swallow Nest Boxes

Along the Cosumnes River, you may notice small wooden boxes mounted on posts or trees. These are nest boxes installed to support cavity-nesting birds such as wood ducks and various swallow species.

Wood ducks rely on tree cavities for nesting, but naturally available holes are limited along the river. Nest boxes provide safe, dry spaces for these birds to lay eggs and raise their young. Similarly, swallows use these boxes to build nests and shelter their chicks, helping maintain healthy populations along the river.

By providing nesting sites, these boxes help restore natural habitats and ensure that the diverse birdlife of the Cosumnes River continues to thrive. During spring and summer, you may see adult birds entering and leaving the boxes, or hear the faint calls of their chicks from inside.