Are drakes normally protective of the nest?

[torilovessmiles]

My mallard/pekin mix drake is my friendliest duck, but he gets aggressive when I try to take the eggs off the nest. He gets between me and the nest and bites my fingers as I try to remove the eggs! This is the only time he does this. Is he protecting is potential future babies? If so, do they normally take active fathering roles, like protecting the nest?
Thanks!

Picture, just for fun!

 

[torilovessmiles]

I know cobs and ganders protect the nest, but I always thought drakes were sort of deadbeats