After monitoring the Mallard nest for two weeks, it was unfortunate to discover that a Raccoon had raided the eggs. The first clue was on April 26th when the female and male Mallards were observed wandering through the backyard. The female had clearly abandonned the nest. Some eggs were consumed overnight and the egg shells were evident at the front of the nest. There were still a few intact eggs in the nest, but the female did not return to continue incubation. On the 27th it was plain that the Raccoon had returned during the night to consume the remaining eggs.
(Photographed April 27, 2016 on private property, Emily Township, City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada)