Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/17/2004

Question
We are SO curious about what has been going on in our backyard out here in Sag Harbor, Long Island where, for  about a year, 20-30 ducks came once or twice a day to yard for the cracked corn we put out for them. Then, suddenly the group dropped to only a few twosomes. It's adorable - they actually walk up the lawn or fly in, as a couple. Now, this is what we;re wondering about. There is one particular couple who acts like they think they own the yard. Whenever another couple - always in couples - arrives, the male lowers his head, sticks it way out, and charges after both of them til they're gone, then he and his lady continue to eat or , sometimes, just lie down and hang out. It's a riot.  They come several times a day. Could this particular couple with the male kicking everyone else away possibly be getting ready to nest? If so, when does that all happen and what should we do to help them along - if anything? We did buy a bale of hay and have thrown some around is various spots - basically to try to lure them to nest here.It's all very interesting to observe.Clearly, there are very serious duck dynamics going on in front of our eyes and we'd love to understand. The amles are so devoted and loyal to their ladies and always follow just behind that we find it comical. The females appear much more independent than the males. The females eat ALL the time while the males watch alot. One of the maybe four couple vying for time in our yard is two males. They are definitely travelling together. Could they possibly be gay? We are really enjoying our wildlife and thank you very much for helping us understand their ways a bit.  

Answer
Well, it's hard to explain everything in a short message, but basically, Mallards tend to travel in pairs most of the year. Males will try to mate with females while females tend to ignore the males. The males can get aggressive while trying to drive away other suitors. When a pair gets ready to nest,they will also get aggressive and drive other pairs away. You don't need to do anything to get them to nest; they will do it on their own. Keeping dogs and cats away as well as other disturbances would be a big help, if that is a potential problem. Yes, there is evidence of "homosexuality" among birds, but it's not the same as in humans - it tends to be temporary and is usually not sexual in nature. For more information on wild birds, see www.ornithology.com. Glad you enjoy the wildlife and I appreciate your curiosity about them and concern for them. Roger Lederer