Use of nest boxes by goldeneyes in eastern North America

Published source details Savard J.P & Robert M. (2007) Use of nest boxes by goldeneyes in eastern North America. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology (formerly The Wilson Bulletin), 119, 28-34.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Provide artificial nesting sites for wildfowl Action Link

Provide artificial nesting sites for wildfowl

A replicated before-and after study in 1999-2004 in boreal forests surrounding 60 lakes in Québec, Canada (Savard & Robert 2007), found that the number of breeding pairs of common goldeneyes Bucephala clangula and Barrow’s goldeneyes B. islandica increased from ten and 28 pairs in 1999 to 46 and 43 pairs in 2003 following the provision of 105-133 nest boxes each year from 1998-9. The number of broods increased in 2000, but not subsequently. Goldeneyes used 23-43% of nest boxes, with 37-67% hatching success for 261 nests. Three nests were erected at each lake: those above water or on trees on the shore had higher success rates than those in clearcuts 25-160 m away from shore (50% success for 56 nests above water, 56% for 63 nests on the shore and 40% for 86 nests in clear cuts). Boxes were 24 × 22 × 60 cm with a 10 x 13 cm entrance hole. American kestrels Flaco sparverius also used nest boxes, although their use declined over time.