Mallard Duck question

by Shelly
(Annapolis, MD)

Hi...hoping someone can answer this question. We live on the Chesapeake Bay, and one day in June, an adorable pair of Mallard ducks came to visit. After researching, found out the best food to give them was cracked corn, so we started leaving the corn out near the bird feeders. After finding the corn, they began visiting every day, sometimes staying for hours. They would eat, go swim, take naps on the lawn or dock and eat again. They were with us every day and we really enjoyed having them here. Unfortunately, we had to go out of town for 5 days the beginning of July. We saw them the day we left---July 8th---and left them food and water. We returned Monday, (12th), and haven't seen our darling ducks since. During the time we were gone, there was a heat wave here...in the 90's, and it finally cooled down just recently. Have continued to put food and water out for them every day, but no sign of them. Any idea where they could have gone and if they might return some day? Thanks!!