Mallard Nest Rescue Project

[JedJackson]

They nest in the marshlands of the SF Bay.

I know the wild mallards are tolerant of salt water and go on it in winter to feed, but nesting? And on boats in a marina? I find that difficult to believe, especially in a place like Chesapeake bay where there are lots of freshwater sites and appropriate nesting sites nearby. I'm not saying you're wrong but I do suspect the ducks in question here descend from domestic stock.

 

[casportpony]

This thread can be deleted.

It has valuable info in it.

 

[iluvsedward]

I know the wild mallards are tolerant of salt water and go on it in winter to feed, but nesting? And on boats in a marina? I find that difficult to believe, especially in a place like Chesapeake bay where there are lots of freshwater sites and appropriate nesting sites nearby. I'm not saying you're wrong but I do suspect the ducks in question here descend from domestic stock.

They also nest in the marshes and on rock jettis and other good places, some of them just dont realize a boat that is stagnant most of the year has a human who plans to use it when they want to. I have also seen them in freshwater sites in the area as well, but there is an abundance of minnows and grass shrimp and seaweed in our marina, and the presence of people may attract them since it means less foxes.

 

[casportpony]

They also nest in the marshes and on rock jettis and other good places, some of them just dont realize a boat that is stagnant most of the year has a human who plans to use it when they want to. I have also seen them in freshwater sites in the area as well, but there is an abundance of minnows and grass shrimp and seaweed in our marina, and the presence of people may attract them since it means less foxes.

Sounds a lot like the areas of the SF Bay where they nest.

 

[JedJackson]

They also nest in the marshes and on rock jettis and other good places, some of them just dont realize a boat that is stagnant most of the year has a human who plans to use it when they want to. I have also seen them in freshwater sites in the area as well, but there is an abundance of minnows and grass shrimp and seaweed in our marina, and the presence of people may attract them since it means less foxes.

Interesting. They must have different nesting habits in different places. I lived on a bay up here on the Puget Sound for years and never once saw a duckling on salt water though all sorts of ducks, including mallards, flew in at low tide to feast on seafood and seaweed. And there was plenty of untamed habitat for them to nest on, too.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

@iluvsedward any updates?

 

[purslanegarden]

i agree, don't delete the thread. good info and links here.

definitely find out from authority groups about your options. don't want to get into trouble for doing what is morally right, but maybe legally wrong.

 

[iluvsedward]

@iluvsedward any updates?

Im going to cross that bridge when the season starts back up. I think im going to just call a rehab and ask about it when i go back. As of now im staying warm from this cold! Will let everyone know how it goes eventually!