Mallard Duck Nest Predators

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation.

​Psalm 12:5 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.”

The nest of a resident Mallard duck was plundered by a raccoon, eating the eggs. Walton County, GA, USA. Mallards nest on the ground on dry land that is close to water; nests are generally concealed under overhanging grass or other vegetation. More than 50 percent of mallard ducks will not survive their first year, falling prey to predators such as American crows, mink, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and snapping turtles.

​Monday, 11:25 AM - A gloomy, rainy day. But even more so for the resident Mallard ducks than for me. Overnight, something had plundered their nest and eaten all of their eggs. With so many possible predators out there - such as raccoons, coyotes, foxes – they are virtually ‘sitting ducks’. 

Walton County, Georgia
Showers and thunderstorms, high 65°
Sunrise 6:53 AM, sunset 8:11 PM
Day length: 13 hours, 17 minutes
Moon: 60% waxing gibbous

The nest of a resident Mallard duck was plundered by a raccoon, eating the eggs. Walton County, GA, USA. Mallards nest on the ground on dry land that is close to water; nests are generally concealed under overhanging grass or other vegetation. More than 50 percent of mallard ducks will not survive their first year, falling prey to predators such as American crows, mink, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and snapping turtles.

The nest of a resident Mallard duck was plundered by a raccoon, eating the eggs. Walton County, GA, USA. Mallards nest on the ground on dry land that is close to water; nests are generally concealed under overhanging grass or other vegetation. More than 50 percent of mallard ducks will not survive their first year, falling prey to predators such as American crows, mink, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and snapping turtles.