Duck House project

During most of last year we never saw those ducks. We could hear them alright, quacking and flapping from somewhere in the undergrowth.

Every time we approached the pond a series of quacks ensued and they always flew away before we could see them. Lots of ducks and no nests. The seasons moved on and we never saw or heard a duck until Autumn, when we were delighted to find a pair of mallard ducks swimming majestically across the pond. They were checking out nesting sites I am sure, the male resplendent with his glossy green head and grey flanks and the female, a gorgeous mottled brown.

Each week they were joined by another pair, totalling eight ducks. This was exciting, although they are very wary of us they seem to have got used to us being around and we always throw out some duck pellets in for them to show our intent.

Deciding how thrilling it would be to have a nest and ducklings on our pond has prompted me to read as many articles that I have been able to find on their nesting habits and requirements.

It seems mallard ducks pair up in November and start nesting in February, laying up to 12 eggs any time from March to June. I need to get busy if I want to witness a successful brood this year.

Ducks need to be able to get in and out of the water easily and a ‘beach’ area is ideal. Our pond is natural and has quite steep sides with grasses hanging over – impossible for ducklings to emerge. Duck boards would help with this as they like to climb out onto the banks if it is safe to do so.

Nesting sites are a problem for them too. They need to be safe from predators, have access to water and food, and an easy spot for the ducklings to hatch out and be safe. The solution is a duck nest basket.

With an abundance of willow in our plantation, what could be nicer and more natural? So here we go, several duck boards woven from willow to place strategically around the pond and a basket with board attached to hide in the undergrowth to encourage nesting.

The basket has been woven quite simply and then lined with hay as ducks do not like to collect bedding for their nests. This now has to be put on stilts to raise it above the ground so that foxes, rats and other predators cannot get in to steal the eggs or eat the ducklings. Once the ducklings hatch, they will be in the water within 10 hours.

Watch this space for news on our Wyld Ducks and how we managed to get the duck nesting basket into a suitable location at the edge of the pond.