AboutJulia Booth Expertise I can answer questions about bird identification (by sight or sound), behavior, distribution, population, conservation, mating, nesting, fledging and feeding. I do have some practical knowledge about foreign species, but identification skills are limited in that arena.
Experience I have ten years birding experience in Southern California. I am well versed in all the species living in the Western US. Many hours spent birding. I have been frequently told I should lend my knowledge to good use, and have encountered few bird related questions that I cannot answer.
Organizations Audubon Society
Education/Credentials My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.
Expert: Julia Booth Date: 6/24/2008 Subject: duck nest in backyard
Question I had a duck (I belive mallard) nesting in my back yard under one of my day lilies. I noticed it missing for 1.5 weeks, so I went to the plant to pull some weeds, to find the eggs covered. Do mother ducks leave their nest? What do you suggest I do. I live in a city outside of metro
Detroit. Recently some woods along the river were torn up b/c of a sewerage project.
Answer Nesting female mallards will sometimes briefly leave the nest and cover their eggs with down for protection. That many days makes me think something happened to her and that she is not coming back.
Leave them alone for now, just incase you're mistaken about how recently the mother has been there. If you're correct, then the eggs are unlikely to be viable. I'd still hate you to dispose of them until your absolutely sure.
