Duck, Interrupted

Ever since I caught the attention of a rogue female Mallard in the scratch ground a few weeks, I have been on high alert for these pesky characters.  You see, last year we had a multi-day problem with a pair of Mallards during nesting season.  I was convinced the ducks were plotting a camp-out in our yard and I'll have nothing to do with that!  Perhaps the female has visited but at least so far she has not been in my sight.  Yes, ducks are as bad as grackles, and I intend to interrupt any plans they make for our property.  Sorry, ducks.  Stick to the pond down the road!

Time For a Shut Down

The duck menace has grown.  Not only is the pair of Mallard Ducks coming by each day (morning and evening, it seems) but Mrs. Menace stayed the night.  I spotted her in the scratch ground well past sunset and she was there in the morning.  I begin to suspect these ducks are contemplating a nest.  Well, they may be thinking about it but the diner has closed.  I pulled all of the seed feeders and we'll see how many scraps of seeds these big eaters can dredge up before they move on---for good.  My mood has soured, especially as Mrs. Menace has a bad temper and a sassy attitude, and as I generally don't need ducks in the yard.  We'll see if they persist.

Quick! Duck!

From the perspective of the typical suburban, cul-de-sac resident, there is likely no more disturbing avian visitor than one of our many waterfowl species.  As a general rule they're nastier and messier than any of the passerines and their allies.  I spotted these two on the scratching ground on Wednesday morning and found them again today, at the same time, in the same location.  My first hope -- that they were drawn to some millet I am attempting to rid myself of -- has been dashed.  The drake seems interested in sunflower seed as well.  And now a major question arises as to whether we have two more pests in the neighborhood.  My only remaining hope is that, because there is simply no meaningful body of water here, that they will be occasional nuisances.  But we never really know the bird mind.  Will they visit daily? invite friends? Only time will tell.  Look out! DUCK!