Mallard ducks are common in the marshes of the Chesapeake Bay. The hen (female) likes tall grasses in which to build her nest. They spend most of their time hiding here while they are flightless, during the molting period. Wetlands need to be preserved if we are to have large numbers of mallards in the future.

    There are a lot of predators that like duck eggs. Some are birds, such as crows and sea gulls. Others are racoons, coyotes, foxes, and ground squirrels. A hen can be very brave in defense of her eggs. The ducklings  begin to cheep from within the eggs before they hatch. It is a struggle for them to peck out of the shell. It may take them a few days.

    Mallards don't mind cold weather, as long as they have food and open water. Their webbed feet make them good swimmers, and they also help the birds to land and take-off from water. mallards are alomost in an upright position when they land and take-off. The mallard's wings are very powerful. they are very strong and fast flyers, and can fly for long periods of time.