[obol] Mallard gets nest loan

[Barbara J. Combs]

I have seen a Mallard nest in a giant concrete pot in the Salem Capital
Mall. The pot had some plants growing in it so the nest was somewhat
concealed.  I have also seen kind-hearted strangers stop traffic as a
mother Mallard led her chicks from said Capital Mall across a very busy
street to the creek that flows through the Willamette University campus.

On Fri, 30 Mar 2007, Dennis P. Vroman wrote:

> Was at Bank of America located between 6 and 7th and along L street, one of the busiest traffic areas in Grants Pass.  My wife went to hit up the ATM, I remained seated.  I noticed movement of branches of a very thick, trimmed juniper hedge in front of me out the window.  Next a MALLARD hen's head is looking at me from the hedge, then flew off.
>
> A check of the hedge (was really thick, had trouble looking into it) reviled a nest with at least 6 or so eggs.
>
> Unbelievable, a Mallard nest in a narrow juniper hedge surrounded by asphalt!  If they hatch, I sure hope she can get the fledglings to the river a few blocks south.
>
> Dennis (north of Grants Pass)

Barbara Combs  obie '70
Eugene, Oregon