August 4th, 2012 permalink
On July 30th, I announced the hatching of Brood 28 at the Brighton millpond. Just two ducklings arrived on the scene and their mother has distinctive wide white eyebrows that are easy to spot on the pond.
She was a careful protector of the babies even though she was surrounded by Canada geese and adult ducks. The next day, she moved the brood to the Main Street area with all of the other ducks sut stayed close (three photos below) and remained vigilant in her duties of threatening every duck coming close to the little ones (right). In the end, however, it wasn’t enough.
In just two days, she only had one duckling (left). The next day, it was gone, too. Now she’s back mingling with the other adult ducks (top) and it’s probably too late in the season to anticipate another attempt at nesting.
Nothing is known about what took the lives of her ducklings or most of the other ones lost this year. Snapping turtles are the usual suspects but ducklings in their first two weeks are small enough to be eaten by many critters that fly over, swim in or walk the shorelines looking for their next meal. No matter how diligent the hens, their chicks can vanish in a blink.
July 30th, 2012 permalink
I know. I know. You’re tired of seeing cute little baby ducklings, but this year I’m doing my best to record all of the births so I have a full record of births for one full year. I probably won’t do this again next year.
Brood 28 has only 2 ducklings and I think they were born July 29th although they may have been born the day before. Their mom had them mixed in with Canada Geese and the farm ducks on the bay north of the City Hall. That’s unusual in that she wasn’t concerned about being near large birds that might harm them. She picked a few fights to keep the big birds away from her young, but seemed quite comfortable being surrounded by them. She’s probably a hen with lots of experience raising babies.
Note her side eyebrow and the bump on the back of her head. It’s different than the other hens which will make it easy for me to spot her in the future. Yee Haa!
July 30th, 2012 permalink
| Hen |
Bright white eyebrow, wider than most. Unique head/feathers shape. |
| Drake(s) |
None seen |
| DOB (estimate) |
July 29 |
| Pond Location |
Near City Hall |
| 1st Meeting |
Saw babies near bay north of City Hall next to brushes |
| Duckling Count |
2 verified July 29 |
July 29: Mom was in plain sight among Canada Geese and farm ducks north of City Hall, usual place for newborns which are usually more hidden.
Posts including this brood:
07/30/12 :: Brood 28: Just a pair
08/04/12 :: Too soon alone again
In just two days, she only had one duckling (left). The next day, it was gone, too. Now she’s back mingling with the other adult ducks (top) and it’s probably too late in the season to anticipate another attempt at nesting.
