Dan,
      Actually this female mallard doesn't know best.  Waterfowl in suburban 
areas often nest in unsuitable areas such as this.  Normally the female 
would lead the young to water, but it seems impossible here.  They need the 
water to drink and as a source of food.  It will take a month and a half 
before they can fly.  I would contact the local Animal Control people to 
help move them to a safer location.
BTW There are as many terrestrial predators  (crows, cats, etc) as aquatic 
ones.

Paul Woodward
Fairfax City, VA

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan Haas" <>
To: <>
Sent: Monday, July 06, 2009 10:14 AM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Mallard Question


Thanks!

I figured Mallard knows best... but thought I'd ask just the same.
Hopefully one day soon, I will have a post about birding in the field.
Life has kept me far too busy lately.

Best,

Dan

On Monday, July 6, 2009, Tim Boucher <> wrote:
> It they are surviving, there must be an adequate food source in the 
> courtyard. They are probably safer there than they would be in the river, 
> or elsewhere. No snapping turtles, no cats, no coyotes, no predators of 
> any kind. No cars. And when they are fully flighted, guess what they will 
> do?
>
> Ellen Paul
> Chevy Chase, MD
>