Swampy 147 Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Went down to the pond last Friday to check on progress. I have been feeding it up for the past three months but nothing was coming in as the valley has been flooded and most birds have been out in the fields. However I was pleased to see a pair of mallard sitting in the middle. Great I thought now theyll attract more. However they soon spotted me and were off into the reeds quick smart only to reappear with three ducklings in tow! Surely this is way too early or have the floods wiped out nests and they have started out early as a result? Answers please. Either way my duck shooting is curtailed for a considerable time. rgds Swampy Duck ning Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remi700 99 Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Either very early or very late! Having said that we had a mallard clocking 8 eggs in a mallard tunnel last year in mid January. If there getting good enough feeding i think they will more or less breed year round. I would be very surprised if any of your 3 ducklings make it to adulthood given the poor weather at the minute. Atb Mark Quote Link to post Share on other sites
j j m 6,566 Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 That sounds very early,but just watching a pair of magpies building there nest in a tall tree at the back of my house Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The one 8,522 Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 It does seem too early and there talking about a big freeze for next week so i dont fancy there chances Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Swampy 147 Posted January 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 Either very early or very late! Having said that we had a mallard clocking 8 eggs in a mallard tunnel last year in mid January. If there getting good enough feeding i think they will more or less breed year round. I would be very surprised if any of your 3 ducklings make it to adulthood given the poor weather at the minute. Atb Mark Think you might be right. A sharp frost now will not do athem any good whatsoever. I'm now keeping my eyes peeled for the inevitable visit from Mr Reynard. rgds Swampy Nightwatch ning Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ftm 3,357 Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 ive also witnessed magpies building nests -but not if i get a chance of a shot at them -billy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remi700 99 Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 Let her build it. Wait till shes sitting. 56 grams of number 2s. Job done!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jukel123 8,920 Posted January 14, 2013 Report Share Posted January 14, 2013 Watched rooks carrying twigs this afternoon. Ducklings require livefood don't they? Like others have said they will hard pushed to survive. let's hope all this early nesting activity means we'll get a good dry summer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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