Posted by Jenny Friedman on May 28, 2007

Q: Hi—just today I found a nest with 4 eggs in it about 2 feet from my garage door. Earlier today, we saw a female mallard about 5 feet away but didn't notice the nest until much later. We are surprised she would lay eggs here because the closest water source (except for pools) is about 500 yards away. Also, there are a few cats (not mine) that roam around, will they harm the eggs or the duck or the ducklings? Finally, we use the garage door several times a day and the nest is between the garage door and the sidewalk which has been busy for several days. Will she stay away if we are using the garage door and the sidewalk? Thanks for your help.

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: New York

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: If only 4 eggs in the nest, it sounds as though she hasn't completed her clutch. Once she determines that there are "enough" eggs in the nest, she'll begin incubation (26-30 days). 500 yards from the water doesn't sound all that far, especially if access isn't too difficult. Cats won't harm the eggs but might the ducklings so they'll have to take their chances. Guess if I were you, I'd keep my activities as low key as possible around the nest. If she hasn't begun incubation, that won't be a problem but once incubation begins, she'll be there most of the time. Mallards are actually quite willing to allow people close but if you use the "I am not looking at you so I obviously don't see you" trick, she'll be more relaxed. When people stare at an animal, it becomes much more nervous so "pretend" you don't see her whenever nearby. Sounds kooky but it really works!!

Best of luck to you and your duck.

John Wiessinger ( May 29, 2007)