Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Backyard Birding => Topic started by: Whittam on June 22, 2010, 07:15:15 PM

Title: Mallard nest seems to have been abandoned! McCowan / Finch
Post by: Whittam on June 22, 2010, 07:15:15 PM

My neighbor had a mother mallard sitting on eggs under a mugo pine on their front lawn for the last 3-4 weeks.  The last 2 nights 2-3 broken eggs have been found on the driveway close to the nest....  something is attacking the eggs?  There are 3 eggs left and no sign of mother mallard.  The male and female mallard were around for most of April and May eating on everyone's lawn.  I think they like the corn gluten being spread as a natural fertilizer!  Father mallard has not been seen for some time!  I will check the nest in the morning but I suspect its abandoned.  Cheers Terry

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Post by: Anonymous on June 22, 2010, 07:28:16 PM

Probably a racoon or skunk...or maybe even a cat.

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Post by: Whittam on June 23, 2010, 12:41:54 PM

3 eggs still there this morning......  no sign of mother mallard!  Cheers Terry

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Post by: Axeman on June 25, 2010, 09:20:11 AM

I'm guessing if there is no one there in the evenings, the eggs are done b/c it gets pretty cold at night...but it's curious that whatever has been predating the eggs has not finished the job.

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Post by: Whittam on June 29, 2010, 03:29:18 PM

Well no sign of mother mallard after a good full week!  Eggs are done for I'm sure!  Interesting that whatever was attacking and destroyed the first 7 eggs has not returned for the last 3!  Maybe mother mallard got a few good pokes in!  Cheers Terry