there is a female mallard sitting on 10 or 11 eggs for about 2+ weeks now. Once the eggs hatch, how long before the ducklings can fly? I am asking because the nest is quite a bit of a walk for the babies and it's near a major street for them to cross! Can I help them to get nearer to water or do I stand by helplessly praying that they don't get run over? Thanks for listening and I hope you can give me some positive feedback. If I do remove the ducklings, will the mother follow?

Ducklings cannot fly. They will all hatch on the same day and the hen will walk them to a nearby source of water. In urban areas they sometimes have quite a walk, but they usually make it just fine. You should not try to move the ducklings. They will scatter when you approach which may cause them to get separated from the hen. Ducklings move pretty quickly, so they should get across the street o.k. as long as it isn't a major highway. Hopefully drivers that see them will stop to let them get across. They are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so it is illegal to intentionally run them over with a vehicle. It is great that you are concerned for them, but don't put yourself in harm's way to help them.