Look what I have in my front yard!

[S n o w b a l l]

Message:







Mallard.....Anyone know the gestation period for ducks? She's been laying there non stop at least 2 weeks and seems to never leave. I know I need to leave nature alone, but I feel like putting some feed around for her. Do you think that's a bad idea?


The first time I took a pic, I got too close and she flew away...I felt so bad. This time, she just sat there and looked at me when I was taking the pic.

I can't wait for these little cuties to hatch. I'd love to have one for a pet. :( I know, I know...another bad idea.

Edit: I think there are 6 or 7 eggs. :)

Edit again: Stubborn me...I just went out and threw some wild bird feed with corn and sunflower seeds around her. She just layed there and looked at me. :) I think she likes me! LOL Kidding...just another obnoxious human nuisance.

[cleveramerican]

1. Stay away

She will do her thing.
Thanks for posting it.
Its a very cheerful scene.

[S n o w b a l l]

2. I know....you're right.

I've only been out there twice to check on her. Twice too many I'm sure.

[Roon]

5. Please stay far away

we had a duck in florida in our vacation home and she ended up cracking her eggs because too many people were walking by. Stay far away and enjoy the ducklings when they hatch! :-)

[S n o w b a l l]

6. I know Roon....

I really shouldn't have approached her. I live on a golf course with a pond in the back of my yard.

The ducks are pretty used to being close to people so I don't think I traumatized her.

She's getting the solitude she needs here versus being close to the the golf course or someone with a house full of kids. No one ever comes in my yard or even close. I have a big sign up for the kids not to get close or I'll boil them in my witches brew.

So, I think she's comfortable and relaxed.

I'm so excited though to see the babies.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

3. I really do love that second shot

I wish her a safe delivery :)

[LeftyFingerPop]

4. Wonderful!

Great pics...I would love to have her in my yard!

I agree with the other comments...let nature take its course!

Have fun admiring from a distance. :loveya:

[mike_c]

7. either stay away, or take the eggs and incubate them....

It isn't hard-- your local farm store will have everything you need. Raising ducklings is fun, although you have to become a pretty much full time parent for a few weeks, i.e expect to take them to work with you or whatever-- they'll want constant reinforcement of your presence. But it's a lot of fun, if you don't mind the burdens.

Of course, that's what the mother duck will do without thought. Might be best to just leave the job to her, but if your really want to do it, it isn't particularly difficult. Just requires commitment.

[BlueJazz]

8. It won't be long !

[taterguy]

9. Don't let Graywarrior find out where you live

[hibbing]

10. Awesome!

Hi,
That is so cool. Zoom in from a distance and take some pictures of the ducklings for us. I can't even get any birds to nest in my birdhouses.

Peace

[midnight armadillo]

11. I bet those eggs are tasty!

You could make an omelette with bacon...mmmm...bacon and duck eggs...








I kid. With at least 5 chipmunks living in our yard I'm waiting for a bumper crop of chipmunk pups this spring.

[Captain Hilts]

12. Make way for ducklings!

[zanana1]

13. You are so lucky to be her host...

I'd love to have a mama Mallard in my yard. Please keep your distance, and she'll keep coming back.