I'd not seen one that had an active leak like that . There is a small cover on top of the head w/ a reed valve in it. Any seepage there or does the engine seem to have indications of seepage everywhere?

Thanks, now my thoughts are, that I have a leaking pan gasket, I can see (barely) a clean section below the head on the case.I am wondering when it is running, oil is just splashing around and flying up under the head.
The reed gasket checks out according to manual. There is no oil leaking from the valve cover. I tipped the mower back, propped it up, no oil leaked during those 24 hours. Sitting flat I do have a leak, oil runs around the deck.
Thanks for your response.