Wood ducks are one of the most unique duck species, and their nests aren’t like most others. Instead of nesting on the ground, wood ducks choose tree cavities—holes in trees that can be up to 60 feet high.

When the eggs hatch, something remarkable happens. Within just one day, the tiny, fluffy ducklings are ready to leave the nest. Their mom flies down to the ground and calls to them. But how do the babies get out of a hole so high up?

Here’s the wild part: They climb.

Free Duck Coloring Sheet

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Yes, you read that right! God designed wood duck babies with tiny claws on their feet, perfect for gripping the inside of the tree cavity. They climb to the entrance as they hear their mother’s voice calling them.

And then, they jump.

They leap out of the nest and fall up to 60 feet to the ground below. How do they survive such a massive fall? God gave them lightweight bodies and soft, fluffy feathers called down feathers, which act like a cushion. Plus, the forest floor below is usually soft with leaves and moss, kind of like jumping into a giant pillow.

The wood duck babies don’t stay in the tree because they trust their mom’s voice. Even though the jump might seem scary, they leap with confidence.

What Can We Learn From Wood Duck Babies?

The wood duck’s leap is a great example of what it means to trust God. Sometimes, following God feels like a big leap of faith—something scary or uncertain. But just like the wood duck babies trust their mother’s voice, we can trust God’s voice too.

Here’s how:

1. Listen to God’s Voice
   In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Just like wood ducks learn to recognize their mom’s call, we can learn to hear God’s voice by reading the Bible, praying, and paying attention to how He speaks through His creation and in our hearts.
2. Trust the Instinct God Gives You
   God built instinct into all living things. For wood ducks, instinct helps them know when to climb and leap. For us, God has placed a desire to know Him in our hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has planted eternity in the human heart.” That means we have a natural understanding that God is real and wants a relationship with us.

When we follow God, He gives us more than instinct. He gives us the Holy Spirit, who helps us understand His truth and make wise choices.

Have Assurance in God’s Plans
Sometimes we might feel like we’re taking a big leap of faith, but trusting God isn’t about blind guessing or hoping. We have assurance—confidence—that God is real and His promises are true. Hebrews 10:22 says, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.”

God’s Fingerprints Are Everywhere

Did you know there’s so much evidence of God’s design in nature? Just look at the wood duck! Its tiny claws, soft feathers, and instinct to climb and leap weren’t accidents. God designed every detail to help it survive and thrive.

When we study nature, we can see God’s creativity and care. That’s why trusting Him isn’t just a leap of faith—it’s based on evidence, proof, and His faithfulness.

So, the next time you feel scared to take a step of faith, remember the wood duck babies. They trust their mother’s voice and take a leap, knowing they’ll be safe. You can trust God’s voice too, because He promises to guide and take care of you.