Urban Wildlife

Several weeks ago, a drab, little duck flew out of the scrubby yew trees as I walked around the corner of the house. We don't live near any water, so it was very surprising. When I didn't see her again, I assumed she was a transient on her way north for the summer. However, over the weekend, she reappeared along with a huge, handsome drake. In the early morning and evening, they have been drinking from the birdbath and eating the birdseed in the groundfeeder. I have no idea where their nest is, though the flowerbeds surrounding my patio are badly overgrown and would be perfect for concealment. My shoulder problems delayed the spring cleanup, and since the patio is out of the sight of my neighbors and the street, it has been given low priority. I hope they aren't nesting there--the poor ducklings will have a long walk to the nearest body of water. I've e-mailed the local nature center for advice about feeding them. Their website says there is no need to feed nesting ducks since the ducks would not choose a nesting spot with an inadequate food supply. However, since these ducks are already eating my birdseed, it is a little late not to feed them. Anyone out there ever have a duck nest in your garden?