Sorry about losing your duck.

I think either a fox or a bobcat would take one. Perhaps the culprit was interrupted is why the duck was not eaten?

Also, don't give up yet on the pickerel weed bulbs (unless they were dug up). I have no particular expertise with those, but I am constantly amazed at all of the various plants on our farm that have suffered significant damage or stress, only to slowly come back to life!