As Spring arrived, Mrs Mallard’s thoughts turned to ducklings and to finding the perfect nest. Last year, it had been more difficult than she could ever have imagined. She had watched Mr and Mrs Coot building their big and showy nest near the pool edge. As people came to feed the birds on the lake, the nest was surrounded by geese, fighting to get to the scraps of bread. “Not a good place to build a nest,” thought Mrs Mallard.

Mr Mallard had suggested nesting under a rhododendron bush, away from the lake and the other birds. It had seemed like a quiet and safe place to be. But just as Mrs Mallard was settling herself down, a big, wet and curious nose pushed its way into the undergrowth, sniffing with excitement. Mr and Mrs Mallard hurried away in alarm. Not a good place to build a nest.