Birding/mallard duck nest

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Expert: - 4/22/2008


Question
Hi,
We have a mallard duck nest in a bush by our front porch, which is fine. We're more concerned that once the ducklings are born the mother will lead them to our pool in the backyard, which is salt/chlorinated and can't be good for them - not to mention the water for our swimming! Any suggestions? Just wait it out? The closest stream/pond is more than a mile away. Should we call our local wildlife group now to try and move the nest beforehand or just see where she takes them? Many thanks in advance for any help!

Answer
I don't think the pool water will harm them and since they depend a lot on feeding in the water, it won't be particularly attractive for them for any period of time. But I think having the local wildlife group move them at some point would be a good idea.

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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