Parenting Ducklings

[yourlibrarian]

We've seen at least 2 batches of goslings and 3 batches of ducklings. The geese all seem to have grown up. The ducklings seemed to disappear rapidly after birth. The geese are highly protective but also larger and better able to defend the babies. (The babies also grow bigger faster, making them less easy prey sooner).

But it's also the decision making by the female ducks.



For example in the photo above she's calling to the babies to join her. But rather than have them come out of the lake only a few feet away on the gravel ramp, she was forcing them to try and climb a steep dirt incline with a grass overhang, impossible for them.



She eventually went down to join them, but it's typical of how she'll come out of the water in spots they can't follow though they waste a lot of energy trying.





Mind you, duck mamas don't tend to attempt things like this, whereas geese seem to think they're invulnerable.



Lastly, a rare chance to catch a butterfly on its rounds.

Comments

[iddewes]

Adorable babies!

[yourlibrarian]

If there were a cuteness scale they'd rank right up there!

[vriddy]

So many ducklings omg :D And that butterfly pic is stunning as well!

[yourlibrarian]

Yes, they often start out with quite a few babies!

[cmcmck]

I've seen mother ducks take to the air to attack raptors when they have little ones and that's quite something!

[yourlibrarian]

Ooh! That must have been a sight alright. I suspect at least some of the disappearances here may be due to fish or foxes but hawks are also very likely.

[turlough]

Adorable, fluffy little bird babies! And a beautiful butterfly!

[yourlibrarian]

Plenty of cute and pretty!

[violsva]

We had to stop driving yesterday to allow a flock of geese (including some teenage-equivalent goslings) to leisurely cross the entrance to a parking lot. Honking the horn didn't bother them at all.

[yourlibrarian]

That's been my experience as well!

[shirebound]

What sweet and lovely pics! Thanks for sharing them.

[yourlibrarian]

You're welcome!