With the continuous improvement in the management of BFU campus water systems and replanting efforts, the scenic campus has become home to a pair of mandarin ducks, capturing significant interest from both faculty and students. The Property Services Center of General Support Department, BFU quickly gathered feedback from the campus community and proactively engaged with experts from the School of Ecology and Nature Conservation. Following several discussions, they decided to design a new "home" for the mandarin ducks in the Forest Heart, aiming to retain them on campus by furnishing them with an improved ecological setting and an alluring habitat.

The artificial nest box, designed to mimic a natural tree hollow, is constructed from durable hardwood. It boasts an entrance hole measuring roughly 10cm in diameter, strategically placed on the upper front, offering mandarin ducks unimpeded and easy entry. The interior is comfortably padded with approximately 1.5cm of pine bark wood chips for warmth and egg protection, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful hatching. Additionally, one of the side panels features a hinge, allowing it to be opened for essential checks and to keep tabs on the mandarin ducks' breeding progress.

In accordance with the natural tendencies of mandarin ducks, experts took into account various elements crucial for selecting ideal nesting spots, such as proximity to water sources, adequate cover, and minimal nighttime lighting. They opted for four sizable trees with trunk diameters between 40cm and 60cm situated around the central forest lake to be the nesting sites. Subsequently, the Property Services Center mounted the nest boxes at an elevation of 5-6 meters above ground level, closely akin to the natural tree hollows favored by these birds.

Currently, wild mandarin ducks in the Beijing area have completed their breeding season and are now teaching their chicks survival skills. Experts suggest that the mandarin ducks in the forestry Heart might have experienced a failed initial breeding attempt, with their first nest or eggs being lost due to unforeseen circumstances, but there is still a possibility for a second breeding attempt. Recently, these ducks have been observed mating and have visited nest box No. 1. Additionally, the Property Service Center staff will regularly release fish and shrimp into the lake to ensure a reliable food source for the mandarin ducks.

Experts have also provided a friendly reminder that disturbing the mandarin ducks should be avoided while observing them and stay away from the trees where the nest boxes are located to ensure the ducks feel safe. Additionally, please do not feed the ducks, as the food may not align with their dietary habits and nutritional needs, and it could also disrupt their natural caution.

Let's ensure our new BFU residents are well looked after.

Written by Hu Rui, Wang Xiaoquan
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang