Mother Mallard builds nest and hatches a number of ducklings (all with human names). They then face the perils of nature. I remember one disappearing from the nest. (fox). The smallest one and last in swimming line suddenly disappears underwater (snapping turtle). The book is probably from the 50’s. It is a realistic story and I had a love/hate relationship with it. I threw it out when I was in college (too bad). I would like to find it again.
“Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey