Built by a neighbor, a few years ago, the box sits in the phragmites.
I've never actually seen a duck in the nesting box but we do have plenty of ducks on the river.
It is my understanding that this is built specifically for Wood Ducks, and we mainly see Mallards here.
At this time of year, the Buffleheads come to visit, migrating through Long Island, and away from the windy Great South Bay.
In 1931, duck farmer Martin Maurer built this 20-ft. high, 30-ft. long, concrete applied over a wooden frame to use it as his Riverhead (Flanders) shop. Maurer sold ducks and eggs from this location. When the land was earmarked for development, giant duck preservationists and the Friends for Long Island's Heritage petitioned to save it. The owners donated the Big Duck to Suffolk County in 1987. In 1988 it moved from Flanders to Hampton Bays along Route 24 at the entrance of Sears-Bellow County Park.
It has now moved back to Flanders near the original duck farm. The development was never completed. The shop still operates -- now as a tourism center for the East end of Long Island, selling souvenirs to tourists and city weekend visitors.
Each year, on the first Wednesday in December, the Suffolk County Parks Department sponsors the Annual Holiday Lighting of the Big Duck. This year, that is December 3rd. Visitors join in singing carols and once Santa arrives (transported by the Flanders Fire Department), the switch is flipped and the Big Duck lights up for all to see.
