Mrs Mallard set up a nest under a small Stone Pine in our backyard. The pair is so persistent that our dogs (who will chase everything that moves) finally gave up and now tolerate them. Between crows, hawks, cats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and weasels, I don't know how any ground-nesters manage to survive. Guess there are just lots of them so enough make it.

 

Beautiful view out from your backyard. Hope it stays that way and Development stays away for a long time