Tuesday 7 June 2011

Ducklings Devastated




Our Superduck mum who had 23 ducklings a month ago, is now down to only 7. The brood has been decimated, particularly over the past 4 days. Last night she had 11 and today down to 7, and she has lost 2 each night before that - for 3 nights in a row. I don't know what's doing it, but something has homed in on her brood with devastating results. The cold weather has not helped, because this has reduced the food supply for all species, plus the proliferation of Mink and , hoodie crows not to mention the otters too ! It is so depressing to see such carnage inflicted on one particular brood - especially with a mother so dedicated to keeping them in tow. Another new brood of 8 arrived yesterday but she has since lost 2. Down the river tonight was like a cold and wet September, and the Pen was sheltering the cygnets under her wings.

















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