Gary R. Hepp

Wood Duck Brood Mobility And Utilization Of Beaver Pond Habitats

During 1975ยท1976, 9 wood duck (Aix sponsa) hens with broods were tracked via radio telemetry on beaver (Castor canadensis) pond habitats in the piedmont region of South Carolina. The mobility of all broods was greatest during the first week of rearing, and decreased thereafter. The size of the area utilized was also greatest during week I and with the exception of 2 broods, decreased in subsequent weeks. Cumulative home range size stabilized for 3 broods during the third and fourth week, whereas for others, it increased throughout the rearing period. Total home range size varied greatly...