Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

There are at least four mallards that visit Charlotte's Pool on a regular basis. Two drakes are frequent visitors and then occasionally another male will join them. When this other visitor arrives they always greet each other noisily. On some days a drake and a duck arrive together and I think that the drake could possibly be one of the three males that visit at other times.

On 27th March 2022 the drake and the duck mated. They bobbed their heads together before the male gripped the female's neck with its beak and mounted her. Whilst it is suggested that drakes are aggressive and their mating events are effectually rapes, this was quite quick and efficient.

There is no evidence that the duck has decided to make a nest at Charlotte's pool yet, although it is a prime site with plenty of food. According to the Scottish Wildlife Trust, mallards will usually lay eggs at the beginning of spring so it is still possible that she lays at the pool.

If she does, she will make the nest from leaves and grasses and line it with her own breast feathers. When she starts to lay her eggs the male will protect her but then once all her eggs are laid he will leave to join up with other males who will start the moulting period in June. She will stay on the nest, only leaving to feed, toilet and stretch her legs. At those times the nest will be at risk from predators.

Chicks will hatch after 23-30 days of laying and will be mobile and ready to feed soon after hatching.

Crazy nature fact - female mallards have corkscrew shaped vaginas to make it difficult for unwanted mates. The drakes have developed corkscrew shaped penises to compensate. (If you are a kid reading this, ask your mum or dad to explain it to you.)

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