Wild Duck becoming tame?

[Brooksy86]

I used to frequent these forums a while back when I owned chickens, but it's been some time since I posted. Apologies for that, but you guys were incredibly helpful before so I'm hoping you'd be able to help me again.

I'm currently working up in the Northland in New Zealand on a kiwi reserve. It's great. We have a wonderfully eclectic variety of birds, but out of all of them there is one duck that has kinda latched onto me. She recently lost her female friend, as well as all her chicks, to either the bastard stoats or the falcon that occasionally soar over the tiny island. Since then she has become an adorable nuisance, she will pester me for food and water in the evenings, will follow me during the day and will get a little protective over me whenever my partner is close by. I was curious if this is a bad thing? I feel so much sympathy for her, but I also don't want to somehow 'de-wild' her if that makes any sense? In all honesty I hope she pops out a few little ones too, this time I may try to protect them a bit more, if that's even possible. But the main concern is that I may be accidentally taming her and therefore making her an easier target to prey.

Sorry for the ramble.

 

[townchicks]

Possibly she could be a former pet that was dumped, it's unusual for wild ducks to approach people, unless they are accustomed to being fed by people. If she really was a dumped pet, you could keep her safe by taking her home and building her a safe enclosure.
If she's really a wild duck, best not to encourage her at all. Certainly don't feed her.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Your sure she is a wild duck? pics? and she is living there why? did someone bring her there since it's a reserve? @Brooksy86

 

[Michael P]

I assume since you are working in a kiwi reserve she must be a native duck. New Zealanders are strict about these things! Do the native ducks lack fear of humans as some other New Zealand wildlife does?

Are there are wildlife biologists around that you can talk to about this? They will focus on what is good for her species and other species in the reserve.

 

[Brooksy86]

Sorry for the late response. She's a introduced Mallard, same as those from back home (UK). No biologists, I guess 'reserve' is bit of a misnomer, it's essentially a tiny island that's linked to the mainland via a causeway. We focus predominantly on keeping the kiwi safe, the ducks don't interfere with their day to day (well, night to night) life so they're not considered a pest, it's pretty much a cat free haven so we seem to end up with lots of native, introduced and migratory birds.

We also work as a campsite, so I'm guessing that most of the campers have been feeding her and therefore taming her, shall I tell them to stop?

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Sorry for the late response. She's a introduced Mallard, same as those from back home (UK). No biologists, I guess 'reserve' is bit of a misnomer, it's essentially a tiny island that's linked to the mainland via a causeway. We focus predominantly on keeping the kiwi safe, the ducks don't interfere with their day to day (well, night to night) life so they're not considered a pest, it's pretty much a cat free haven so we seem to end up with lots of native, introduced and migratory birds.

We also work as a campsite, so I'm guessing that most of the campers have been feeding her and therefore taming her, shall I tell them to stop?

You could tell them to stop. . but it probably won't do any good. People just can't help it They want to feed the ducks.
Maybe at least try to discourage folks from feeding bread if possible. But they will still do it.
There probably isn't much you can do.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If y’all don’t mind her hanging around I’d say just enjoy her.

 

[Kkrista123]

I assume since you are working in a kiwi reserve she must be a native duck. New Zealanders are strict about these things! Do the native ducks lack fear of humans as some other New Zealand wildlife does?

Are there are wildlife biologists around that you can talk to about this? They will focus on what is good for her species and other species in the reserve.

WHAT!!! NEW ZELAND WILDLIFE LACKS A FEAR OF HUMANS!!!! WHY DIDN'T I KNOW THIS!!!!! brb guys, i'm moving.

 

[Kkrista123]

Try to post pictures, it will help everyone know If she's a dumped pet or a wild duck gone depressed.

 

[Michael P]

OK, since she's not a native duck and her presence doesn't interfere with the purpose of the reserve, then just enjoy her tameness. Ducks learn the difference between humans and predators, so I don't think you are putting her in any increased danger.