How do I relocate a female mallard and her nest?

Question

A duck has laid eight eggs in a planter in the greenhouse on top of my building. She has been a good mother so far but I am concerned about when the ducklings hatch. How will they learn to fly, swim, gather food, etc? City services has been of no help. I just want practical suggestions to catching her and moving the nest to a nearby pond without stressing her too much. The eggs should hatch in a week or less.

Fish and Wildlife directed me to DC animal control.

Answer 1

You might contact the state Department of Natural Resources or the equivalent Division of Wildlife. If they are in a nest not over 10 feet high, they should be fine. There are federal and state laws against disturbing nesting ducks, and you don't want PETA picketing you. Moving the nest to the pond may make the mother and ducklings vulnerable to dogs, cats and foxes, and she may abandon the nest in fright. Please continue to find some agency expert to assist you in this.

Answer 2

I would just keep a eye on the nest birds are very smart their not going build a nest where they would not normally this type of duck as been known to nest off of the ground you could try puting something there to help them get down once they hatch but iam sure they will be fine a mother bird hardly ever abandons her nest once the first egg is laid so don't worry about that here is some info
The hen typically nests within 100 yards of water, on the ground in a depression lined with reeds and grasses, with soft down added from her breast. She conceals the nest in tall grass, dead reeds, alfalfa or clover. A few individuals nest in stumps, tree cavities or in the crotches of trees.

Eggs, from six to 15 but usually 8 to 12, are laid one per day. Shells are smooth, light greenish or grayish buff, sometimes nearly white. A hen occasionally will lay eggs in the nests of other ducks. Incubation is by the hen alone (the male deserts his mate at this time), beginning with the laying of the last egg so that all hatch at about the same time. Incubation takes 23-29 days.

Answer 3

If you attempt to relocate the nest, the mother will most likely abandon. It is also illegal for you to do so. You should contact an agency such as US Fish and Wildlife Service to see what your options are. She obviously thought this was a good nesting spot at the time. Is there food or water available in the area? Maybe you can provide that for them if there is no one willing to help you out..until the little ones can fly away on their own.