Wild mallards visit and mingle with my Khakis

[Carcajou]

Thanks Carcajou, I feel like they are ours since 2X they stopped here for a bit of feed when we had an unusually frigid spring, and stuck around most of the morning before they flew back down to the river, It was so interesting to see how my flock watched them, they were on the outside of the fence the flock on the inside not making a peep just watching. That's so neat you get to have wild ducks come into the pond for a visit, ever had any stick around to nest.

I have had wild mallards come to my little pond almost every spring but this is the first time since I have had domestic ducks (the 3rd spring now). None of them ever stayed and nested more than likely since the pond is only 25 feet from the house and they always fly off when the back door opens. They are back today looking for food. Don't dare go out and put any in the water while they are out there as they would more than likely fly off. It's going to be interesting to see just how long they keep returning. I am overjoyed with their presence these past two days.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have had wild mallards come to my little pond almost every spring but this is the first time since I have had domestic ducks (the 3rd spring now). None of them ever stayed and nested more than likely since the pond is only 25 feet from the house and they always fly off when the back door opens. They are back today looking for food. Don't dare go out and put any in the water while they are out there as they would more than likely fly off. It's going to be interesting to see just how long they keep returning. I am overjoyed with their presence these past two days.

Always a treat to see wild life, I don't even mind seeing predators as long as they leave my flock alone. Not always the case but they are only doing what comes natural to them. We have been putting out the trial camera every night hoping to see something since everyone is locked up tight.
Is there much food to be found in the pond this time of year? I guess snails and salamanders would no be too far under the mud. Is it 2 ducks and 1 drake?

 

[Carcajou]

Always a treat to see wild life, I don't even mind seeing predators as long as they leave my flock alone. Not always the case but they are only doing what comes natural to them. We have been putting out the trial camera every night hoping to see something since everyone is locked up tight.
Is there much food to be found in the pond this time of year? I guess snails and salamanders would no be too far under the mud. Is it 2 ducks and 1 drake?

Yes, two ducks and one drake - very pretty - but I have always like mallards, which are quite common here. Not much food right now, my Khakis keep it pretty well cleaned out though it was thoroughly choked with weeds before the Khakis. I do put some corn and flockraiser in the water during the day, it helps keep the bluejays from eating the corn out of the duck feeder. The mallards are aware of the underwater feeding area so I will keep putting it out for them. I too enjoy the wildlife, even if the deer do eat on the shrubs I leave unprotected. I have seen a few fox tracks this winter but not near the pond or duck pen, go figure.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes, two ducks and one drake - very pretty - but I have always like mallards, which are quite common here. Not much food right now, my Khakis keep it pretty well cleaned out though it was thoroughly choked with weeds before the Khakis. I do put some corn and flockraiser in the water during the day, it helps keep the bluejays from eating the corn out of the duck feeder. The mallards are aware of the underwater feeding area so I will keep putting it out for them. I too enjoy the wildlife, even if the deer do eat on the shrubs I leave unprotected. I have seen a few fox tracks this winter but not near the pond or duck pen, go figure.

What is the under water feeding area like?

 

[Carcajou]

Just a shallow area in the pond near where they get out to go into the fenced area. It's a hardpan bottom surface. Makes a good spot to throw food in the water for them. I clean my feeder there when the food gets wet or frozen and just let the stuff settle to the bottom. They usually eat it right up.