Typically other ducks (muscovy that is) stay away from a nesting mother, with the exception of her current mate, the male she paired with for this season. He (papa) comes and goes. Sometimes the papa will nest-sit so mama can go find food and drink, but not always. Only difference i happened to notice with her this round was, the first several days she nest-sat, the duckateers waited patiently next to her, apparently sleeping next to her, but after 3 or 4 days moved on without her, and I don't think there's been contact since then.

@RiversideBryan Thank you for answering my questions! I try not to anthropomorphize the Duckateers and their mother, but sometimes I just stroll right into doing it.