I just came in from walking a young pup. I intended to swim him a bit in a
pond out back, but as we approached it I saw the grass moving and a bird,
head lowered, slinking off. I assumed "Mallard nest" but lo and behold it
was a hen Wood Duck.

Since the pup can't be trusted to obey me yet, I came back without
further investigation, and, I don't want to bother her again today if
she is trying to nest. But, I always thought Woodies nested in hollow trees
or DU project boxes, by definition. Anyone know if they are also known to
ground nest? If I have a true rarity here I might try for photos.