Choosing a site - spot the duck nesting basket

Leaving the basket at the water’s edge and dipping the duckboard in, I managed to get some stunning shots of the duck nesting basket in all its glory. I cut some long dried grass to put inside as a nesting material and it looks quite cosy. The rain can still get in, but I am sure the ducks won’t mind.

The moor hens were out and about foraging but they are very shy and always keep away from us at the far end of the pond. They are re-using last year’s nesting site which is on some floating reeds and waterlilies, completely inaccessible from human or animal predators. They successfully raised a brood of four young chicks last season and they are all still in the area. I wonder if the youngsters will also nest this year? We will have to wait and see.

I have read that the main predators for ducks are foxes that can attack from land, rats from land and water and magpies and crows which can swoop down from above. It is a dangerous business laying eggs and hatching a brood with risks from all quarters.

Admiring the basket again, I do realise that to get ducks interested in using it, it needs to be undercover and camouflaged. Heading off around the pond I found a perfect spot. An area on land but near the waters edge and very well hidden amongst the reeds and grasses. It is barely accessible to me, but I managed to heave the basket into position, attach the duck board and arrange the grasses and reeds around the basket.

I think the nesting basket will be safe for them, but I guess ducks know best.

We have every chance of success! It is still February and I have got the basket into position in good time. The duck nesting basket can hardly be seen and the mallards are nicely paired and eyeing up suitable nesting sites.

Lets hope they like it – watch this space