While you won't find a nest here at the cache location, the general area seems to be an ideal place for Mallard to set up their nesting hideaway
Reproduction
Mallards typically start looking for mates during the autumn months. Once winter rolls around, they usually are set in that department. Mating takes place during the months of March, April, May and June. Male mallards, for the most part, assist females in finding places to nest, mostly at night.
Looking for Nesting Spots
When scouting out nest locations, mallards look to the ground -- specifically damp soil. They seek out spots on firm ground, and nearby water is an absolute requirement -- 300 feet away, maximum. Mallards generally opt for shallow holes that are hidden, usually by high grass or some other type of plant.
Nest Components
Mallard mamas build their nests while they're already inside them. They tug on the necessary elements that are close by -- think twigs, foliage and grass. They also sometimes use feathers to make their nests, too, but only once the incubation process has started. For these purposes, the hens retrieve the feathers out of their chest areas. At full completion, mallard nests are usually around 1 foot in width. The nests also typically contain "basins" for the eggs. These basins, in depth, are usually between 1 and 6 inches. They also are usually between 6 and 9 inches wide.
Youngsters
A mallard clutch can include a single egg, but also can have as many as 13 of them. The incubation process generally lasts 23 to 30 days. By this time, the mallard fathers are already out of the picture. The eggs are usually greenish-beige, gray or off-white in color. Once the youngsters emerge from the eggs, they are typically already wakeful. The mothers usually guide them to water when they're less than a day old. At that point, the little ones begin swimming. They are ready to leave mom once they're self-sufficient -- this usually takes approximately 70 days.
The Cache is a small sized lock & lock cleaverly hidden along the Mallard Trail. As always, please use stealth and return the cache to it's original location.
Crosswinds Marsh Rules
No fires
No bikes / ATVs / personal watercraft
No swimming or ice fishing
Dogs must be leashed
No alcohol or illegal substances
No camping
Fishing in designated areas only
Collecting of plants & animals prohibited
Park only at N 42 05.744 W 83 26.552
Crosswinds Marsh is open from DAWN to DUSK. Admission is free.