House hunters

This morning's heavy rains brought out Mr. and Mrs. Mallard Malone in their annual quest for a suitable nest. First they nosed around the Andersons, then waddled across the driveway to see what the Rolfsruds might have available. Though we doubt they'll spring for a home site in our front yard, we hope they're also wary of the nearby pond bank. Last year Martin P. Marten raised a batch of furry kits there and helped himself to the clutch of eggs (photo below) hidden nearby. It's really hard to find a good home these days.

Last year, this nest of duck eggs hidden by the pond included a golf ball.
The eggs soon disappeared. The golf ball was moved, then
rejected as inedible.