Ducks

It's not at all unusual to observes ducks in our ponds - particularly mallards in the spring and multiple migrating species in the fall.

On May 4th we flushed a hen mallard while on our walk and upon further investigation found this.

click on images for a closer look



A nest situated in the tall grassland surrounding the large pond.  Mallard nests are situated on the ground and concealed by grasses and other cover.  Mama will pluck down from her breast to further insulate the eggs during the period of incubation - 30 days, give-or-take.

After hatch the ducklings pretty much vacate the nest and head for water.  There was no way to know how long the nest was here and as a consequence no way to guess when the eggs would hatch.  So we left it alone.  My fear was that a marauding skunk or raccoon would predate the nest before the ducklings hatched and made a break for freedom.

On Friday, May 17 we made a most cautious of inspections and found this.

By all outward appearances the nest appeared undisturbed and was filled with shell fragments and duck down.  No ducks.  At first blush it looks like a successful hatch.  Nevertheless, we haven't been observing any ducklings paddling about the pond.

So maybe it was a successful raid that left little evidence of disturbance?  Fortunately, if the nest was hit by a predator mama will lay a replacement clutch of eggs in an alternate location.

Fingers-crossed...