Can you see who is hiding in the dried leaves? During our Spring Break, a mama duck made her nest by the Children’s Center entrance. Patty and Vivian Urda were the first to spot her on Monday morning, April 5th. Papa Mallard, with his brilliant green head, made sure his wife was settled in and then departed. Mama Mallard, so well camouflaged with her brown feathers, left the nest during the day to get a bite to eat, and then returned later in the afternoon to sit on one egg.
According to Nick at the Metro Park Nature Center, this is typical behavior for mallards. He says that in the next 21 days she will lay 6-12 eggs. He recommended roping off a ten foot area so she will not be disturbed. We will not feed her, though it is tempting. Any corn or food left outside will attract rodents and raccoons, and endanger her eggs. She is not a domesticated duck, and can manage quite well on her own. Her eggs will hatch in 28 days, right around May Day. What a wonderful Spring event for our children to see!
There is a Nesting Mallard Log just inside the Children’s Center entrance. Take a look at it to see the latest report, and to make note if you see Mama, Papa or, in time, little ducklings.
THIS JUST IN… there are now eight eggs in the nest, covered with leaves and soft tiny feathers. Soon it will be time to “Make Way for
Ducklings!”
