Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: Each year I have mallards come to my camp to feed, nest and then show off their young. This year (after 13yrs) I have witnessed the mating process and understand the rape theory, the drakes may not get as much corn now...anyway..I had a female that was one of the young from last year (I know this as she came when I shook the can of corn) atwo males mounted her she attempted to get to land to stop the process however she was a small female and didn't win. She stayed on land after the assault with one male. Later in the day my husband came to the house saying my (they have become like kids) one duck had a broken wing. Sure enough I went down and there she is she can swim but has no use of the right wing, I am not sure of the other one she was unable to fluff and shake off the water. It looked like the male pushed her up on a clump of marsh grass (the least he can do) So here is my question is she going to be able to sit on her nest properly? If she even lays eggs? What can I do to ensure she nests and survives the summer. I may have to take her to a woman I know who does some bird rehab at least I hope she still is. I am not sure if I can keep her over winter. We live in Northwestern Ontario where we have ice in October and it stays until May. I need to help Stella, Rocky is on the poop list right now. Mother Nature can be very mean.

ANSWER: If the wing is truly broken, she is in trouble. Broken bones in a bird are very serious and almost never heal on their own. Most likely she will never fly again. If your bird rehab friend is around, give her a try. Otherwise a veterinarian is your best bet. Not much else you can do. If the female does build a nest, she might be successful, but I suspect she will be fair game for any predator in the process.

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QUESTION: I have been watching to see where she is nesting it looks as if she is sitting right on the shoreline. Would it be helpful if I put up some snow fencing to keep away the fox and other small predators? She is far enough out of the water so the water predators won't bother her. I was concerned about her being able to keep her eggs warm enough. I am so saddened by this but....Mother Nature is what she is.

Answer
She shouldn't have any problem keeping her eggs warm; escaping predators will be her only problem. I would not do anything like putting up a fence as that will only keep her confined and not necessarily keep predators away. Raccoons, foxes, and dogs can swim. You are right about mother nature, but thanks for your concern.