MALLARD DUCK EGGS (UPDATE)

Last Friday I posted this picture of what we thought were ducks passing through our neighborhood. 

Turns out the mother duck decided to lay five eggs and take up residence, right outside our front door. It was hard to get a picture, since I didn't want to disturb the nest that is tucked under one of our bushes. Guess we don't need a nest cam, since we will be able see the action live. 

This is not that unusual, based on information I found this morning. 

After the courtship flights and mating rituals are complete, the end result of course is nesting hens. Every apartment complex pond, golf course, park and even some swimming pools can become targeted nesting areas for hens looking to raise ducklings. Ducks and geese have been known to think outside the box when it comes to finding a safe place for a nest, while others seem to not be thinking at all.

Soon, people all over the country will begin finding nesting birds. Knowing what to do, and most importantly what not to do, with and around the nest is very important.

There are many laws and treaties that protect migratory birds. It is ILLEGAL to take or possess eggs of nesting migratory birds without the proper permits! ("Shoot, I wish I would have read this before breakfast this morning")

Mallard Duck Eggs, Emily's Strawberries and OJ 

The information continued with things you need to know about a mallard nest. 

• The nest bowl is 7-8 inches in diameter and 1-2 inches deep.
• Once the nest is built, egg laying will begin from 1-3 days.
• Nest cover can be any form of vegetation available within the area. Preferably dense vegetation.
• The hen will lay an average of 9 eggs which will hatch within 28 days once incubation begins.

By the way, I was just kidding about the breakfast.