7:38 a.m.
I've had to process this event a bit. I also have to remember that 10 ducklings are alive with their momma. She will work hard to care for them. She'll have to work hard. Their mortality rates are high. It takes another 60 days for them to be able to fly to escape predators. They really don't know survival rates. Estimates are between 10 - 70%. They are susceptible to predation, cold, disease and parasites. Predators in the wetland must be fewer than elsewhere. We don't have large fish, snapping turtles, and the mammals don't tend to be in the deeper water in summer. There are hawks, owls, gulls, herons and crows who will take them.
It's been terribly cold. Only 10 C. overnight. The other two nesting boxes are warm and cozy.
They went from eggs to hatchlings in one day. I cleared out the debris, and replaced it with fresh bedding.
It's been terribly cold. Only 10 C. overnight. The other two nesting boxes are warm and cozy.
They went from eggs to hatchlings in one day. I cleared out the debris, and replaced it with fresh bedding.
The camera captured them leaving the nest. You have to watch carefully. (This isn't expensive equipment!) At about 27 seconds they fly out, and only a couple were on camera.
The next part is the lonely duckling looking for momma.
The next part is the lonely duckling looking for momma.
It was a tough day for us. The ducklings broke free at 7:38. Mom sat on the water, calling to them in the video above. I noticed the duckling roaring around the pond at 10 a.m., which means she didn't follow the momma into the wetland where they take off to.
She should have followed momma into the depths of the wetland where they are safe.
She roared around the pond cheeping. I last have her on tape at 12:00, and then nothing. I hope it was swift.
Meanwhile, May 28th, on the dock, he was either mushy, or thought there was a bug on her face!
duck love from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.She roared around the pond cheeping. I last have her on tape at 12:00, and then nothing. I hope it was swift.
I managed to capture a video of an egg hatching. First you can see the various eggs in the other boxes, finally, box #1. They are born fuzzy, dry off, and ready to go.
Meanwhile, May 28th, on the dock, he was either mushy, or thought there was a bug on her face!
This female duck was chasing a male. This is unusual.
duck chase from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.
9 comments:
Some excitement here and some sadness too.
Hello,
I like hearing good news about the ducklings. Sticking my fingers in my hears to miss hearing any news about their losses. Stay safe duckies.
Have a happy day!
I have such difficulty processing that as well...they are such innocent creatures. Very sad...
It is a very rough life for those midway on the food chain, poor little thing. Reminded me of the story of Ping, but that had a happier ending. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNKBTOM4Whg)
It is part of nature.
WOW! Never realized it was so hard for them to survive! Thanks for the info! Have a great week!
nature is wonderful, seeing the egg hatch like that.
Pretty interesting the way they come plopping out of the nest.
Life is tough, I hope and believe the wee one made its way to Mum.And hatching, what joy to see the new life emerge.
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