09 Apr Floating Islands Make Great Waterfowl Habitat
Whether you have your own domestic ducks, geese, or swans, or want to attract wild waterfowl to your pond or lake, a floating island will make them very happy birds.
Establishing a new island waterfowl habitat
BioHaven Floating Islands make a great waterfowl habitat because the matrix is easily formed into any shape and can be built in any size. The buoyancy can be adjusted to support extra weight, features like nesting boxes can be added, it can support rocks, gravel, trees and plants, and multiple islands can be clustered together. All of it is customizable depending on your waterbird habitat needs!
Ducks and geese are very hungry, so it’s likely they’ll want to eat the new plants on the island. You may want to use sod on the edges of the island and fence some of the new plants until they have a chance to establish.
Do not worry if some plants will need replacing because of the waterfowl or amphibian activity. The growth rate in the warmer months is substantial and will catch up quickly! Learn more about plants for your floating islands.
How do I create a habitat for swans?
Swans were once nearly hunted to extinction, but now they are coming back. There are two species of swan that are native to the US: Trumpeter and Tundra. The one most imagined when one thinks of this bird is known as the Mute Swan, and though they were imported and breed in the wild now, Mute Swans are considered exotic animals in the US. Before considering keeping Mute Swans, check your local laws.
A Trumpeter Swan can have a wingspan of up to 8 feet. Once a swan finds a mate, or a place to spend the winter, they are together for life. Swans are beautiful and majestic.
Swans are primarily freshwater birds. They must have access to shallow water. Swans need space that is undisturbed both from humans and predators. They are generally territorial. Their nests are large.
Swan Nest Design
- Five-foot diameter elevated nest form
- Dark shade to enhance for egg incubation
- Three sloped zones along island perimeter to enhance for cygnet ingress/egress
- Extra buoyancy to accommodate Mute Swan size
Swan Nesting Island: Since swans are heavy, their floating island accommodations need to be larger and/or have increased buoyancy.
Need help picking out the perfect Floating Island? We’re here to help.
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