I had a similiar experience, I had a baby duck given to me as a gift and I figured since it was old enough to be outside I would let it in with the others, which were 4-6 months old. They nearly killed it! I had to separate it again until it was full grown. Then they accepted it fine.

LexiF, my neighbor would agree with you. We live in a subdivision, no ponds, lakes etc...but they have a pool. There are three ducks, one male and two females that show up every spring in their back yard and they sure make a mess on the patio and in the pool. The neighbor chases them away and they end up on our front lawn, we're glad for the fertilizer they leave. However, they would not be welcome on our patio.

Thank you, elly, for the ID. Wonderful, varied plumage.

They do use lead, regardless of laws. Rehabbers deal with this regularly. But Wood ducks are not divers or grazers (like Canada geese), so not sure from what source the lead would come. Possible she was poisoned? Or shot, and made it back to the nest? I don't think sparrows would/could kill even a little duck like a Wood duck. Sad to find that. Dirtgirl, may I make a suggestion, though? I say this every spring and summer, and people hate me for it, but I know you will not. I do not think it's ever a good idea to check bird nests that are accessible to predators, or that do not need to be maintained (like bluebirds). I know there was no indication of traumatic injury (like you would with a raccoon attack), but visiting nests regularly leaves a scent trail for mammal predators (like raccoons and even squirrels) and crows watch and figure out something is doing in there. And I am not at all suggesting that's what happened, but you know your stuff, and I know people will probably follow your example more than mine : ) Anyway, happy spring, and good luck with the W. ducks this year.