Mallard nest seems to have been abandoned! McCowan / Finch

[Whittam]

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

[Anonymous]

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

[Whittam]

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

[Axeman]

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.

[Whittam]

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