mama duck on terrace, season 2

[birdstitcher]

My mama mallard duck just came back! I am not sure what to do. I have covered over the area where she nested last year with mesh, mainly to dissuade the Canada geese who have tried to nest for the last 3 years. She looks a little put out that she cannot nest in the cranesbill. I would rather her nest in it that my thyme or chives. So what should I do? Leave the mesh on to try to discourage nesting period or take it off and let her nest in the cranesbill? It was fun having her.

You may remember from last year that my terrace is on the ninth floor and I needed the TWC to catch and release the ducklings and mama.

Kerri

[Kin Lau]

For the sake of the neighbors, discourage the nesting. not everyone is happy about the "bombs away".

[birdstitcher]

There are few people she would disturb with 'bombs', based on the way the condo is oriented. She has not come back today, so hopefully she has found a more appropriate place to nest. Will keep the mesh up for now. Last year she showed up in July though...

[birdstitcher]

I saw something big fly away from the terrace above mine today. And have found fresh down on my terrace. So I thought, hmmm, maybe since she could not nest on my terrace, mama mallard went up a floor. Went up to chat with my neighbour. We went out to look and we found a nest with 11 eggs in it! I told my neighbour about the Migratory Bird Act and it being illegal to remove/destroy the nest. And gave her the number of the Toronto Wildlife Centre. This mallard must really like the view from our condo! Guess I can take all the chicken wire off my garden now!

Kerri