exposed Mallard nest

arthursmaid · #1 (**permalink**) 13-06-2010, 09:10 PM

Hello new poster here. We live in a quiet close nearest pond a couple of roads away. Mallards have been around and about here for a few years. Recently seen on roofs etc and recently in our driveway. On deciding to remove an overgrown jasmine bush against a front wall of our bungalow,a female mallard was found sitting on a nest on the ground 'in' the bush. This is now quite exposed on the sides. (had we have known, obviously the bush would have been left) It has hastily been covered over with trimmings but the sides are fairly open. How much should we cover it ? What else can we do? There are several cats around the area and large birds. This is a situation unknown before to us. Can anyone help please?

Cowgirl · #2 (**permalink**) 14-06-2010, 12:38 PM

Hi Arthurs maid welcome to WAB.

Maybe put some wire mesh/chicken wire around the nest area, (with plenty of room in case she needs to fly out) wind branches leaves etc into it to disguise it? Good luck & look out for the cats!

arthursmaid · #3 (**permalink**) 14-06-2010, 03:32 PM

Thank you very much for the welcome.

We have woven some thin branches and foliage The chicken wire is probably a good idea, but but did not want to pen her in as such, surely that would stop cats etc but also stop her getting out ? Ah just reread your reply re 'flying out' vertical take off of course Will ask around tonight re chicken wire.

I read on the RSPB about leaving water and duck pellets and cooked potato????? If I put that about 6/8 ft away would that be ok? Sorry if these comments are naive but only ever seen a nest in the middle of a huge pond in the park.

Cowgirl · #4 (**permalink**) 14-06-2010, 07:39 PM

No, doesn't seem naive to me! I'm making it up as I go along as well

! Although to be fair I think I have read other posters trying to protect nests from cats using chicken wire as well.

You don't really expect to find a duck nest in your jasmine tho' do you, blackbird or another songbird maybe, but a duck? There was that news item a bit ago re ducks that nest in a second storey office windowsill (in New York I think?) a guy has to catch the ducklings as they fledge out of the nest onto the ground, then escort them to the local pond.

Never mind, at least next year there won't be much of a jasmine bush left to nest in, she'll have to find somewhere else!

Good luck.

arthursmaid · #5 (**permalink**) 15-06-2010, 08:11 AM

HI Cowgirl thanks for the reply. I saw the duck landings on a video on you tube . These will not have to jump anywhere, as they are on ground assuming 'they' arrive. My son whose window they are under is going to be listening out. Not yet for a while though. There were ducks about 3 years ago near here and there was a great little video will try and find it again. Ok so watch this space.

What about leaving food for her? Any one any ideas

ElwoodsGirl · #6 (**permalink**) 15-06-2010, 12:29 PM

Hi,

I keep a pair of mallards and our female is currently nesting ... How many eggs are in the nest ?? They normally lay between 7 - 12 before sitting on them and are very picky about where they feel safe to lay. When mine started sitting last time I set up food and water within a foot or so from her but she ignored it and went to get food elsewhere when she was hungry (only leaving the eggs for a short amount of time) ... I personally would not leave food near the nest as it may attract rats which attacked my female last time... If she is a wild mallard she will know where to get food and will have checked that there is some within a short distance from the nest site before she picked it ... Hope it helps

arthursmaid · #7 (**permalink**) 15-06-2010, 01:19 PM

Thankyou for the feedback. Elwoodsgirl

I do not know how many eggs I have not been able to see as yet. I just missed the chance today She went out just after me and got back before me

I will hopefully see later. There is water not far away from her now,not the food then, I had wondered if it was a good idea.

ElwoodsGirl · #8 (**permalink**) 15-06-2010, 03:37 PM

It is a good sign that she is back as the disruption obviously did not concern her and she still feels safe ... You will find that she will cover the eggs when she leaves them so on first look you may not see any... Please do keep me posted, would be nice to hear a sucessful outcome, my female was very badly injured when attacked last time she tried to nest so I am hoping that this time will be more sucessful

arthursmaid · #9 (**permalink**) 16-06-2010, 04:30 PM

Ok Will do . She looks quite alright at moment. Will try and post picture.
Thanks for the interest

arthursmaid · #10 (**permalink**) 21-06-2010, 09:09 AM

Looked yesterday and the duck was missing there are 10 eggs! My son reckoned one was cracked (He did not touch them of course) and therefore would not hatch and mother would not come back...but looked again about 45 mins later and she was back. No idea how long ago they were laid, could have been some time before we 'found' the nest. Some were much darker than the others is that any indication.? She did not cover them up they were very visable