Tag Archives: ducks

nature, Photography

Duckie Monday

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We have a lot more rain coming our way in the form of another water-logged front and while out walking it was clear to me that it was on its way. The occasional breeze ruffled the lake’s surface but it was otherwise very calm and smooth with the blue-grey overcast gathering quickly.

There are lots of warnings about heavy rainfalls with the possibility of landslides in the mountains, so I think I’m just going to stick around here where it might be soggy but it’s 12C (53.6F) and as long as I have rain gear I’m fine.

The ducks don’t mind this at all, though. Bring on the rain, they quack!

For them, rain is a terrifically good thing and they can’t understand why we humans would like things to be a little drier.

Nevertheless, wherever you are, I hope you have a very duckie Monday, rain or not.

nature, Photography

November Prospects

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We’re very definitely entering our grey, rainy season.

Sunny days are becoming rare; it’s more likely that we will only see glimpses or bits of pink or orange.

The bright and beautiful autumn colours helped alleviate the grey for a while, but there aren’t many of them left now.

They’re on footpaths and sidewalks, in parking lots and on benches, but soon they will be gone with the wind.

The ever hopeful ducks always gently approach looking for a little handout, and it’s always a treat to see them, whether it’s grey outside or not.

I used to give them quinoa which is a healthy choice for them, but the city has really made it very clear that they’re not to be fed unless there’s an unusual cold snap, and in that case they will do it. After all, they are sort of city pets.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Mallard Ducks

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I like how the mallard ducks seem to get on with almost everybody.

They are tolerated by the notoriously grumpy and aggressive Canada geese …

… and by the extremely nervous quail.

But those are other birds. Nevertheless, they clearly aren’t bothered by a whole other species swimming underneath them …

… even when the fish pop up to grab a bug.

If we could all get along this well – or perhaps ignore each other this well – our world might be a very calm place.

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Late Season Ducklings

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I spotted this large brood of ducklings – nine in all – out learning about life with their mom.

I think this is either a late brood or a second brood. Ducks will sometimes “renest” if they lose the first nest or all of their hatchlings to a predator.

This may be the case with this brood or possibly the mother duck decided to raise a second family. That can frequently happen with ducks that don’t migrate since they don’t have to expend resources on migration; ours here stay through the winter.

Happy Saturday.

nature, Photography

Stragglers

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With so many little ones to look after, mama ducks sometimes have a lot to do!

This mama had to go back to encourage the two stragglers to come along after their four siblings zoomed ahead. You can see them in the upper right corner of the above photo.

In very low and gentle tones, she murmured to them and then made sure that they joined their sisters and brothers who had gone ahead.

This duck mama has done an excellent job of keeping her little brood safe. I see them almost daily as she shepherds them around a small pond, keeping them quite protected from predators.

Happy Saturday.

nature, Photography

It’s Duckling Time!

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I’ve been very fortunate to see so many ducklings over the last few days. Adorably tiny feather balls, they are some of the cutest little ones ever.

Dad was bringing up the rear, but I didn’t include him in the photo. They were moving quickly and I wanted to get a picture.

On my return trip, I saw that mom was teaching them how to forage in the long grass next to the shoreline. Not only good pickings there but good protection, too.

I don’t know how many will survive as lots of predators see them as an excellent snack, but this mom is doing her best to keep them safe.

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

Duck Shrinkage

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The pond that the ducks have been inhabiting all winter is shrinking and shrinking.

If it wasn’t for the fountain, it would be completely closed and the ducks would be hunting for a place to swim and forage as there’s now a lot of ice around the lake edges.

But there’s relief coming since if all goes as predicted, we are supposed to be climbing well above freezing over the next few days. It won’t be long now, duckies!

Happy Saturday.

nature, Photography

Quack!

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When it becomes more difficult for our local duck flock to find food, we like to help them a bit with some cooked quinoa. Unlike bread, it’s a healthy choice for them. M recently prepared lots of it in individual bags that we can easily distribute to our duckie friends.

Well organised in a freezer drawer, he has very helpfully labelled it “quack.”

Quackers or not, the ducks love it and aren’t shy about gobbling it down!

I wish you a very duckie day. 😊