I bought a low profile camp chair (so I don't have to sit in duck poo). I sit and read a book while they do duck things. My ducks come and pick on me in between their duck activities of foraging and swimming. They have also JUST started to lay near me when they need a duck nap.
Herding is the key with a yummy reward at the goal.
As far as generally being fearful, I started out making a lot of mistakes. I wanted cuddly ducks. Once I learned to stop acting like a predator (handling/chAsing/appearing out of nowhere), they really came around. Sit on the ground with them...