Mallard Duck Tales:

During an evening walk in Canatara, Deryl noticed some tiny legs under a Mallard Hen. We had found our first ducklings of the season! Only the female incubates the eggs and takes care of the ducklings. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds)

Mom was very agitated with a nearby Mallard Drake. She left her 13 ducklings to defend her new family.

Mallard Drakes have been known to attack and kill ducklings that don't belong to them. The Hen obviously felt threatened by this Drake.

After a heated argument that lasted several minutes, 

she returned to her young family and counted her kids.

It was time to get everyone back to bed!

Good night little ones!