Baby Waterfowl
Includes: Mallards, Wood Ducks, & Canada Geese
It is a federal crime to destroy or interfere with a nest, eggs, babies, juveniles, or adult migratory bird. If a migratory bird is injured or orphaned, federally licensed wildlife rehabilitators are the only ones who are legally allowed to rehab them.
This means if you have house work planned and you find a nest you must wait until the eggs have hatched and the babies have left the nest to continue your work. If you find a nest in an “undesirable” place you must wait until the birds have fledged.
Question: A duck is incubating eggs in my backyard, parking lot, porch, balcony, etc. How long will she be here?
Answer: Waterfowl incubate their eggs between 26-30 days. Mallard and Canada Geese ducklings are precocial, meaning that they are able to feed and move about on their own within minutes of hatching. They are, however, dependant on the mother for guidance, protection and waterproofing. She will typically lead them to appropriate habit within a day of hatching, and they remain with her for 42-60 days.
Question: Why do waterfowl sometimes nest far from water?
Answer: Mallards and Canada Geese look for nesting locations away from likely predators. In urban environments this may include raccoons, coyotes, dogs and cats. Urban parks are also typically over-populated with waterfowl. It is not uncommon for waterfowl to nest as far as a mile from water. So while it may seem risky, there are many strategic reasons why animals may choose to build nests in high-traffic areas. These environments often provide safety, resources, and opportunities that might not be available in quieter or less disturbed areas. Please remember migratory birds are federally protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Act of 1918! This means it is a federal crime to move or remove a migratory bird (over 1,000 species!!!), their nests, or eggs.
So you found an orphaned duckling or gosling
Make sure they are actually orphaned. It is not uncommon for ducklings and goslings to be separated from their mother for a short period of time. Sometimes they get spooked, or have trouble keeping up with their 8-10 siblings! Ducklings and goslings will continually “peep” or “chirp” to alert mom that they are separated. Mother birds are incredible mothers and will often come back and retrieve them. If you find an orphaned duckling or gosling search the area for mom.
If mom and siblings are no where to be found, and you have spoken to a federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator who agrees, place the baby in a small paper towel lined box and wait for next steps from the rehabber. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT YOU DO NOT GIVE FOOD OR WATER. BIRDS HAVE UNIQUE MOUTH ANATOMY AND IF WATER GOES IN THE WRONG OPENING THEY WILL ASPIRATE AND DIE.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR WOOD DUCKLINGS: Wood Ducklings are extremely high stress animals, more than any other waterfowl species. Unlike mallards, they also jump VERY high. When securing them in a paper towel lined box, it is important the top of the box is secure, and also not too high. If the top is too high they will jump, fall, and cause a brain or spinal injury resulting in death. Because of their high stress nature, we also advise you place a small handheld mirror in the box so they think they are not alone. You can also add a small stuffed animal for support. DO NOT offer them food — they need bloodworms FIRST.
It is not only illegal, but also unethical to give a duckling or gosling to someone who is not a federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator. This includes people who have backyard chickens and ducks. Wild bird diets and behaviors are VERY different from domestic birds.
Reuniting a duckling or gosling with their mother is rare, but possible. Finding an adoptive mother is also rare, but possible. However this should only ever be done with the advice of a federally licensed migratory bird rehabilitator. There have been occasions when this is done incorrectly and the mother attacks and kills and orphaned baby.
PLEASE don’t kidnap birds. Always call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, center, or veterinarian before intervening or touching a bird!
While you wait to hear from a rehabilitator:
Important: Please Read Before Taking Action
If you see blood, maggots, or an open wound, secure the animal is a small paper towel lined box.
Do NOT attempt to feed or give water. This can cause serious harm or even death.
If you're unsure whether the animal is injured or orphaned, do not move them. Observing from a distance is often best.
Avoid causing unnecessary stress. Do not pet, cuddle, or try to comfort wild animals — human interaction can be fatal.
If you have a wildlife emergency please send a text message and attach a photo to: 845-558-7931
It is VERY important to never give any animal food or water, but ESPECIALLY for birds. The anatomy of a bird’s mouth is VERY unique and if water goes into the wrong opening, the bird will aspirate and die.
