I just checked the nest and 12/12 hatched! They incubate 4 - 5 weeks, and these were in 4 weeks, 5 days. I've gathered all their photos, and timelines, here. There were ants in the nest, sucking out the remains of the shells. She only left two halves in there. I cleaned it out.
Now, they follow her around, eating bugs, in the wetland.
It varies widely, but it commonly is estimated that only 30-40 percent of the brood will survive the first 90 days.These are photos of a little duckling following momma and 3 siblings across our front lawn a few years ago.
Momma was pretending to be hurt to distract me.
momma wood duck from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.
I have tried over several years to capture the chicks leaving the nest but they are simply too fast! The trailcam isn't meant for birds, but for large animals. There is still another pair on the pond, as well as about 4 male mallards.
ducks from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.
