Ducks for a backwoods pond project

We're thinking of renovating a backwoods pond that has filled in, had some tree fall, etc. The ground is probably clay but we'd love to put some duckies back there. There are wild ducks on another pond down by the river, but it is overgrown with willows, tons of hiding places.

Can anyone think of any way to create duck habitat relatively quickly, to help them have a half a chance back there? They would be away from the house and garden, and pretty much on their own at the back of the trail through the woods. There is a barred owl that hangs out on a snag. Is this just a terrible idea? We have had free ranging Icelandic chickens that evade predators, but they fly really well, and stay by the house for the most part.

Hi Kris,
I do not have lots of experience with ducks, but my first thought is to mimic what is down stream. Lots of hiding places with willows. Perhaps remove the snag to make the owl hunt elsewhere?

Also, what is your purpose for the ducks? If you want to use them more intensively for eggs or meat, I think having them closer would be better. If you just want them to fill an ecological hole or occasional meat... maybe coax a couple wild ducks to come upstream? Let them live there without you having to buy anything.