Each spring and summer, mother Mallard ducks lay eggs in courtyards, parks, and on roofs across the city. When the eggs hatch, the ducklings are often stranded. Traffic, the distance to the ground, or barriers that the ducklings cannot climb over prevent them from reaching a source of open water for the food and protection they need.
City Wildlife’s Duck Watch educates residents and building managers as to how they can help Mallard families and make unsuitable nesting sites less appealing to mother Mallards. During nesting season, Duck Watch volunteers monitor Mallard nests. Ideally, as soon as the ducklings hatch, mom will begin leading them to water. In cases where the ducklings are trapped, volunteers are available to help.
Watch our seminar on understanding urban waterfowl:
Has a mother duck built her nest on your property? Please read our Duck Watch FAQ to learn what to do. If you’d like to join Duck Watch as a volunteer, please fill out a volunteer application.
Check out our Fact sheets below. They cover a variety of topics like humane interaction with Ducks in your neighborhood and what Ducks need to survive.
A Guide for Friends of Nesting Ducks
A Duckling’s Basic Needs
Are There Ducklings in your Swimming Pool?
Is There a Duck in your Planter?
Is There a Duck on your Roof?
Suggested Procedure for Capturing Ducks at Swimming Pools
