what to plant for wild ducks

mindovermatter

Hi,
We have just had a large pond created with an island in the middle.
The island is about 6 ft in diameter (sort of ovalish).
It is currently just a mud platform about 8 inches off the water level.
We do get wild mallards visiting and nesting on another pond but unfortunately last year, she was foxed whilst sat on her eggs. That island will be dismantled as it was too close to the edge of the pond for fox access.
My question is what cheap plants or shrubs can I put on the new island that will also encourage the ducks and give them a safe and suitable nesting material?
The other island had a very scraggy type of long sharp grass that doesnt appear to transplant easily.
Best wishes
Mindovermatter

Itismehonest

Ducks like to nest in long grass which camouflages them from predators. I don't think they mind too much which grass it is.
As you've already had wild mallards, if there is a handy food source (can be the same grass) & they fell secure they should come again but maybe not until the area looks more 'mature'.
A couple of decoy ducks may help if it looks like being a very slow process.

Edit: When I say 'grass' I include reeds etc.

mindovermatter

Hi,
Thanks for reply - my wife wants something evergreen but shall I just keep it very simple and sow garden grass seed onto the island?

Itismehonest

It's really all about cover & food so, obviously, as long as it doesn't poison or injure the ducks, almost anything would do.
The less disturbance in the area the better, too, so go for something which you can pretty much leave to its' own devices once there.
If ducks do nest they'll prefer (though not absolutely necessary) cover right down to an edge where the ducklings can get in & out easily - that latter is a must.

cyclonebri1

You don't need to do anything.
Nature will take it's course.
Push a few willow twigs into the mud, if you don't, they will seed anyway.

Next year it will have a willow canopy, fine for covering nests

mindovermatter

Hi all,
Many thanks - good point about vegatation all the way to the water's edge for cover. Wife is now talking about variegated grass which we have and cant transplant.

martinthebandit

mindovermatter wrote: »

Hi all,
Many thanks - good point about vegatation all the way to the water's edge for cover. Wife is now talking about variegated grass which we have and cant transplant.

When wives make suggestions like that the best answer is;

'Good idea, let me know when you've done it'

olias

From the RSPB website.........

http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/nesting_mallards/index.aspx

Olias

mindovermatter

Fab link - thanks