A mallard and her babies in a garden
Every year wildlife rescues get many calls about ducks (usually mallards) nesting in gardens, on balconies, or even in hanging baskets. Householders are, understandably, concerned that there may not be sufficient food or water, or that the babies are vulnerable to cats and other predators.
Why do ducks nest in silly places? #
During Spring, water bodies become very crowded and female ducks are subjected to a lot of ‘attention’ from the males. Consequently, females will often seek to hatch their eggs in quieter locations. Once the eggs hatch, Mum will walk them to a suitable body of water and raise them there.
Is this safe? #
Nesting high up, such as on a balcony or in a hanging basket, may not be a disaster. Many species of duck nest in trees and their babies then leap from the nest after hatching. As the ducklings are so small and light they can survive a considerable fall without damage. However, this tactic doesn’t work so well when the nest is several stories up, the nearby body of water is a garden pond or swimming pool, when the closest body of water is more than walking distance away, or when getting to water involves crossing busy roads. If Mum tries to raise the babies away from a suitable water body, there won’t be enough food or water for them and the babies will be very vulnerable to predators.
What action is needed? #
The first thing to note is that all wild bird’s nests are protected by law. Once a nest is in use, it is illegal to disturb them, even if well intentioned. If no nest has yet been prepared, the best solution it’s kindest in the long run to discourage the ducks from nesting anywhere unsuitable. Simply going out and flapping your arms to ‘shoo’ them away should do it.
If you’re too late and Mum lays her eggs, try to note when they are laid and contact a wildlife rescue to get them onboard as early as possible. They will be able to calculate when the eggs are likely to hatch and when intervention is needed. At this point it is illegal to try and deter Mum or to remove the eggs including so that they can be incubated elsewhere.
Once the eggs hatch it’s best not to try to intervene yourself. A skilled rescuer will be able to either help Mum get to a pond, or catch her so that the whole family can be relocated together. If you try to catch any of the family yourself, you could end up scaring Mum away and then the babies will have to be raised in captivity. If you are able, without disturbing them, a headcount of the ducklings will help the rescuer to ensure that they are all caught and none get left behind.
Finding Help #
You can find rescues in your area by putting your location into the search facility at helpwildlife.co.uk/map and you’ll find detailed advice on getting help from a wildlife rescue at helpwildlife.co.uk/advice/practical-advice-for-finders/. If you are unsure whether to intervene or you have difficulty finding a rescue who can help, you can contact us via helpwildlife.co.uk/helpdesk and our volunteers will give you advice and support.
