Environment 02 Apr 2010 01:53 pm
Just Ducky
Last week our golden retriever “Murphy” who comes to work with us was intently watching something outside of Larry’s office door. There is a patio area that has lots of ivy ground cover. Something was moving in the ivy, Squirrel, no, a mallard duck! I soon noticed that the drake was walking up and down the sidewalk.
She pranced around and left. We think no nesting here. The next morning Murphy instead of running to the office door, takes a left and we hear the duck and we do not see her the rest of the day, but there are four green eggs in the nesting spot.
By now, my curiosity has taken over. Fascinating information on the habits of ducks.
She lays an egg a day until her clutch is filled about 10 – 12 eggs. She does not need to sit on the nest to incubate them until all are laid. It then takes about 28 days. She is now on the nest all of the time.
In my research I discover that as soon as they hatch and their feathers are dry she will take them for a swim. The nearest water is over a mile away. Of course, I go out and buy a kiddie pool, as it would be too dangerous for them to go to the pond. I now find out that she can take them up to three miles away to the wetlands that have the most food
Since she will be around for awhile, we’d better give her a name. Suggestions???
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallard
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/about/faqs/birds/nestpot/nest.htm
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