Still 15 eggs after a few days, so it looks like the home invader was able to lay only one or two eggs and she hasn't been back since. What does that mean? If no eggs have been laid for awhile, she is probably done and moved on to 'incubating'.
For a better explanation, I will cite my go-to source, the Wood Duck Society:
"When the entire clutch of eggs has been laid, the hen will begin full-time incubation. This assures that all the eggs have a good chance to hatch together on the same day. During the incubation period, the hen will leave the nest box twice daily to feed (morning and evening) for about 30 minutes.
The incubation period for wood ducks varies, but is usually between 28 and 32 days. The entire clutch hatches in less than 24 hours. The hen will leave the nest box with her new brood on the first morning after the initial egg was hatched. After surveying the terrain for predators, she flies down to the ground and begins calling out the brood. The young ducklings are eager to climb up the ladder inside the box and jump from the entrance hole when called. Getting her new brood safely to a pond for food and cover is essential for their survival."
If that is correct, 28 days from when I first noticed 15 eggs is May 20th. I'll be watching for a few days prior just in case. My kids bought me a Trail Camera for Christmas, so I hope to have that set up in time to catch the ducklings leaving the house as well.
Stay tuned!
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