At our high school we have a courtyard for which there is no access to get out of except through a door. There is a mallard who is sitting on 7+ eggs. It has been about 4 weeks. As I read she will need to be able to get her ducklings fed and to water, but there is no water souce in this courtyard. What should we do? What will she do? They can't fly and that is how she gets to and from the courtyard. What about what will they eat?

Please let me know asap as I think it is almost time since she stays very close to the nest.

With what sort of material is the courtyard fenced? The ducklings will not need a very large opening to get out. However, if the courtyard is completely enclosed, then they may need help out of the courtyard. Mallard ducks are protected by federal law. I am not sure of their protection by New York state laws. I'd recommend that you contact a local wildlife biologist to ask what should be done to assist the ducklings if indeed they cannot leave the courtyard without human assistance. If I have the locations correct, I think you will need to contact: Department of Environmental Conservation Wildlife Management Region 3 fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us 845-256-3098

If that isn't the number you need, they should be able to direct you to the appropriate biologist. Good luck.