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Birding/Duck nest
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Question
A mallard made a nest out of an old hanging flower basket that hangs off our deck about 30 feet above the ground. Yesterday we noticed she had a chick in there and there are a few more eggs. What are these ducklings chance of survival since they have no way of leaving the nest and getting water? Also is there anything we can or should do to help?
Mallards sometimes nest in trees. All the young should hatch within a few hours of each other and then leave the nest. Tree nesting ducks like Wood Ducks do this all the time. The young jump out of the nest and the mother takes care of them. They should be ok without any help. Thanks for your concern. Roger Lederer at Ornithology.com
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Answers by Expert:
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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