The Mallard Ducks are back
Seeing Mallard Ducks show up in the spring “like clockwork” had me wondering just how long this particular pair has been showing up at our pool (still covered) and landscape pond … and how long they live (see below)?
For years ducks show up in the spring, have been chased by our dog Tootsie (for the 17 years of her life), and usually find a place to nest — it is sometimes odd where eggs show up?
Photo at top from March 26, 2024, while this is from March 2020
What’s the Average Lifespan of a Mallard Duck?
There are a lot of factors that determine how long a mallard will live. Young ducklings have a high mortality rate because of factors like adverse weather, predation, and human-influenced factors. In the wild, mallards that live beyond their first year will typically live between 5–10 years. Because of the high mortality rate of ducklings, the average lifespan of all ducklings is just 2 years old.
When well cared for, mallards kept in captivity can live as long as 20 years.
Also this was an excuse to pull out my Lumix GX-8 camera and long-focus lens. BTW, I’m semi thinking ahead for the April 8th Solar Eclipse. 😉