Nesting ducks near my pond!

[Jenn812]

We have a nesting duck by our pond! There are 7 eggs in total today. I scared momma duck away today when I was cutting the grass She left the nest uncovered. Will she be back? I'm looking forward to seeing some ducklings!

 

[Orangecrush]

I'm sure you just scared her, she should be back once HER yard gets quite again. She may have been trying to lead you away from her eggs. I wouldn't worry too much.

Happy duck watching, Jim.

P.S. Keep us posted.

 

[Tula]

Oh, how sweet. Hopefully she'll return quickly.

 

[RobAmy]

No worries she will be back

 

[KC Crook]

Good luck!

 

[Jenn812]

She came back a couple of hours later for awhile and hung out, covered her nest, and then went about her duck business.

 

[Orangecrush]

GOOOOD !!!

Jim.

 

[addy1]

So neat!

 

[Jenn812]

Some serious momma work going on.
"Beatrice" hasn't left her nest in 3 days!

 

[Jenn812]

The duck is still sitting constantly on the nest! I've been excited to see some baby ducklings!

BUT, today has me a little worried. There is now a fairly large turtle in my pond! He's evasive but from what I could see he's probably about 12 inches across the shell. Should I be worried about my duck? The eggs? The upcoming ducklings?

I'm not sure if this a snapping turtle or not. Should I get him out of there?

 

[Tula]

Oh dear I believe a snapping turtle will take ducklings.....not sure about a painted turtle. Keep us posted!

 

[Jenn812]

This is the only picture I could get of the turtle. Pretty sure it ate my lily pads last night. And yes, we still have an algae problem :/

 

[addy1]

Can you blow up the picture of the head? they tend to have a unique structure.

 

[sissy]

He sounds big for just a regular turtle have you seen snappers before around your yard

 

[Orangecrush]

I don't know anything about Snappers, but I did blow up the pic ,and that is not a Painted or R.E.S. Turtle. Snappers do eat ducklings, not as common as people think from what I've read.

Jim.