how to attract mallard ducks?

[shivvy]

I have a naturally marshy area behind my house which I would love to develop to attract ducks - I am just not sure how to do it.

I was hoping that if I got a digger in to make it a bit larger with some clearly defined open water then they might come naturally but what would anyone elses thoughts be?

There is a big lake/nature reserve within 10 miles of the house however I have only ever seen a couple of ducks fly overhead.

Any ideas?

[Goofy]

you don't want (or need a deep pool, most ducks are quite happy with a shallow one.
Food - bread crumbs etc.
good luck

[Thunderbird+]

What your doing sounds good. How about putting out a couple of decoys anh a few hand fulls of mixed corn ?

[WendyS]

I suspect the ducks may possibly stay mainly on the big lake as there's safety in numbers but they do migrate to other places during the nesting season, so clearing the area to generate some open water might encourage them. However, if there's isn't good feeding material around they might not stay long. Still, I guess it's worth a try and open water would encourage other wildlife like frogs, newts, dragonflies, etc.