help, I think mom left nest

[littleone33]

We have a mallard duck nest next to our house with 11 eggs. My husband didn't know they were there and when he went by the side of the house, the mom flew out under the bush where they are and she hasn't returned. It is 8 at night and this happened around 3. It is supposed to be 35 degrees tonight. Will they be ok if she doesn't come back???????????????????????

[darter02]

If she doesn't come back, she will lay another clutch somewhere else. It should be OK.

[bigbad]

i work at a wildlife rehab center and one thing we tell people is NOT to touch a nest of anything, be it songbirds, geese, rabbits, etc. The whole purpose of being a duck is to make more ducks. mom will be back.

odds are she flew out like she did to distract your husband, the "predator" and prevent him from finding the nest. i doubt she would leave them overnight.

just realized you posted yesterday. did she return?