We cannot be certain, but it seems the hope of little ducklings on our pond in a few weeks is less than likely. There were two nests in our landscaping, one with sixteen eggs at its peak, but the ducks never decided to sit on their nests for more than a few hours. After doing some research, Matt learned that this is somewhat normal (although not good for those wanting eggs to hatch!). Non-incubated eggs cannot hatch, so our hopes are rather dashed.
I did take a picture of the eggs every day, but here is a quick timeline to the sixteen-egg peak:
Regarding Matt's duck box, the mallards did find it, if only to perch on top for awhile. We don't think they ever went inside.
HOWEVER, just because we have lazy ducks does NOT mean our pond has not been exciting and full of life! Several different birds have found homes here, including wood ducks, Canadian geese, and a few others. Oh, and several sparrows, too (I have learned since moving to the country that sparrows are worthless, which gives new meaning to the song "His Eye is On the Sparrow").
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| Bluebill Ducks |
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| The Canadian Geese found their nesting box! She is still sitting on her nest, so we should have some goslings soon! |
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| The wood ducks have been using this box (I think that is them on top). |
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| A closer view of a wood duck. |
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| Matt wanted a close-up view of the ducks eating supper...he got it! |
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| Since the eggs weren't being incubated and weren't going to survive anyway, I ended up hard-boiling some of the duck eggs for Easter. After eating one, I was afraid to eat the rest so we threw them out. :) |
Thus ends Part II of the saga of the ducks on our pond!
