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Platte River Status: A fairly common migrant and breeding species in the eastern half of the study area; an uncommon migrant and rare nesting species in the west. Occurrence dates at the Mormon Island Crane Meadows, Hall County, extend from 15 March to 4 October. Johnsgard (1980) speculated that wood ducks nest along the Platte River west to Kearney, although he mentioned sightings of broods in the Clear Creek Marshes in Garden County. Tout (1947) regarded Wood Duck as rare migrant and occasional summer resident in Lincoln County, mentioning dates between 20 March and 19 September. Rosche (1979) found wood duck in the lower North Platte River Valley on four dates between 29 March 1979 and 14 October 1978.

Breeding Range: A rare and local breeding species in the Platte River Valley; very local in the Rainwater Basin area of the Eastern Plain.

Breeding Population: The population in 1979-1980 was estimated at 128 breeding pairs. We have observed a rapid expansion in the number and distribution of breeding pairs especially since 1985. We believe the current population is now about at 450 pairs based on the distribution of breeding plumaged adults during the nesting season.

Habitat: We found a mean density of 0.5 pairs/km² in lowland forest. This cavity-nesting species requires large trees for nesting. McGilvery (1968) stated that the availability of suitable nesting cavities was an important factor limiting wood duck populations throughout the species' range. The riparian forest bordering the Platte River provides ideal nesting habitat for this species because of the abundance of available cavities. Wooded areas on or near some of the Rainwater Basin wetlands provide potential nesting habitat. Artificial nest boxes placed near water bodies are readily accepted by wood ducks.

Effect of Habitat Alteration: Wood duck is the only waterfowl species occurring in the study area that is expanding its nesting range and increasing its population as a result of wooded vegetation encroachment within the Platte River system. The loss of prairie wetlands has had little impact on wood ducks because of their affinity for wooded vegetation. Further loss of water from the Platte River system could negatively impact this species. Maintenance of adequate, year-round instream flow rates in the Platte River should assure the continued existence of viable nesting populations.

Nesting Data: Lingle observed 10 downy young on 10 June 1983 in a wetland at the Mormon Island. Egg-laying for this brood probably occurred in late April. The population at Mormon Island appears to be increasing. Maximum counts for the area have increased from 5 in 1981 to 75 on 14 August 1983. High water conditions in 1983 produced excellent wood duck habitat by flooding willow and cottonwood islands and adjacent shorelines. A hen that was probably nesting was observed near North Platte, Lincoln County, on 12 July 1978, and one duckling was observed near Overton on 10 August 1983. Eggs dates in Kansas range from 21 March to 10 May, with a probable peak in mid April (Johnsgard 1979).