Though the spring has been cold, life still follows its course.
Students at Big Woods Elementary are following a mallard duck hen that has settled into the landscaping on school grounds.
According to the school, the ducks pick a different nest each year, and the camera has been moved to accomodate. As for the number of future ducklings? There are a "baker's dozen" this year.
Footage of the duck, including last year's hatchlings, can be seen here.
The 2011 brood is beginning to hatch.
The school has also hosted a "Wood Duck Cam" and covered a local owls' nest as well.
In the United States, migratory birds, including most waterfowl, as well as their nests and eggs, are federally protected (50 CFR 10.12) by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 USC. 703711). The Mallard is on the list of federally protected birds.