Mallard Ducks

[Stacey]

For the last few weeks I have had 2 male and 1 female mallard ducks visit our suburban garden in Camberley Surrey. At first they stayed several hours. I gave them wet bread and put water out. 1 male was very agressive to the other male but he still hung around and flew off with the pair each day. The last week I now get the 3 of them coming between 6am and 7am and the female quacks loundly until I go down and feed her. She gobbles up fantically and the males let her feed until she is full then they finish up the rest. She has a drink and then is off, the males with her. Later on in the day the 2 males show up on their own. They don't seem hungry just hang about sleeping on the lawn or patio and fly off a few hours later. Can anyone tell me what is going on and how long am I going to be woken up at 6am every morning? We don't live that close to any water although there are lakes and a river about 2 miles away.

[seamusagleann]

hi stacey ! i would say that the drakes are courting her ,and she's not interested or she would have young by now . i have one or two "maiden aunts" as i call them on the loch . they will keep coming back as long as you feed them ,mallards are very food oriented .i just have to park my van in the car park and the gang of seven (ducklings) are there mugging me of my lunch. as for why the drakes return i have no idea ,perhaps they feel safe . hope ive helped

[Stacey]

Thanks for your reply Seamus. Just an update. I just had the female quacking for food this morning at 7am so I got a lie in! She was very hungry as usual. Only stayed to gobble up the food and then flew off, the same direction each time. I'm now wondering if she is sitting on eggs and just comes to me for instant food and then back to her nest. I'm hoping this is the case because once the eggs hatch she will stay with the chicks. Anyway I feel very priviledged to have her visit. The males came again yesterday late afternoon. They seem quite buddy on their own and don't fight. They just hang around and rest! Thanks again.

[welshie]

hi stacey

Thought you may be interested in this story in our local news.

Please click on link BBC NEWS | Wales | South East Wales | Duck nests at pub watering hole

[agrumpycow]

Originally Posted by welshie

hi stacey
Thought you may be interested in this story in our local news.
Please click on link BBC NEWS | Wales | South East Wales | Duck nests at pub watering hole

Cute little story. My only thought was it is a first floor window, how are the little chicks gonna move off when the last one is hatched, as the RSPCA say they will, when they can't fly

[welshie]

The Ducklings are so light, I have seen a Mallard nest in an old crows nest, about 30 feet high up a tree, and the Ducklings just jumped and bounced unharmed on the leafy floor below.

[welshie]

The Ducklings are so light, I have seen a Mallard nest in an old crows nest, about 30 feet high up a tree, and the Ducklings just jumped and bounced unharmed on the leafy floor below.