Comparison of two nesting structures for mallards in pothole habitat of Minnesota and Manitoba / Terry Kowalchuk

Nesting structures are a management tool used to increase nesting success rates of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Problems with nesting structures appear to arise because of maintenance considerations. I conducted a two-year study to determine if a low maintenance fibreglass weave nesting success and preference in two different geographical areas (Minnesota and Manitoba). I also identified habitat within 1 km of structures that could influence the occupancy of structures. The two-year occupancy rate for flax-roll structures in Minnesota (37%) was significantly higher than fibreglass structures (22%). The two-year occupancy rate for flax-roll structures in Manitoba was significantly higher (53%) than that of fibreglass structures (25%). No difference in nesting success rates between rates between flax-roll (76%) and fibreglass structures (93%) was detected in Minnesota. No difference in nesting success rate between flax-roll (89%) and fibreglass structures (93%) was detected in Manitob