My new neighbor, mommy duck ~ Free beauty collection

Yesterday my boyfriend and I took a two hour bike ride down Rifle Range road in Mt. Pleasant (burbs of Charleston) looking at all the pretty houses.

We got back to my condo and my neighbor was outside fishing with his two little girls in the lake in front of our condo - he said to me, "Hey, did you see the surprise left in front of your front door?"

I was caught off guard a little bit - I've only met my neighbor once before, and I couldn't imagine what in the world he was talking about.

"One of the ducks has made two nests right in front of your condo - with about 20 to 30 eggs in it."

One of his little girls said, "I'll show you!" and promptly walked me over to my front door where we leaned over the railing looking down into my 'front yard'. Sure enough, there were two swirls of pine straw - and the mommy duck was snuggled on top of one of them - eying us cautiously.

I'll have to admit, it was pretty neat and I hope nothing happens to the nests so the babies can hatch and I can possibly watch the moment when they march down to the lake single file.

On the other hand, part of me is wary that her eggs may attract other creatures that have an appetite for eggs. {shutters}

I captured some photos this morning before work (mommy duck was still sitting there - does she stay there until they hatch??) - they aren't very good photos since it was partially shaded and my camera lens kept fogging up because of the heat (gotta love 90+ degree weather at 8:30 AM).

Should I make a little sign that says "Careful - duck nests here, stay off pine straw" to keep any condo maintenance folks, UPS, etc. from walking there? I would be devastated if I came home and the nests were crushed or in disarray because I didn't make a stupid sign... I think I will.