September Spate

Relentless rain yesterday, combined with a High spring tide starts Autumn off, forcing the waterbirds downstream onto the Swans Island. 

My concern was over the recently hatched ducklings possibly being swept away. 

We did have 23, but sadly have lost 6 of these due to someone feeding and  bringing predators onto the scene.

The injured mother who hatched 10, is now down to 8, and we have a further 5 and 4 from the remaining broods. 

Conditions are now against the ducklings with colder wetter weather, but with a little luck and nurturing, most of them could still make it.

The previous broods hatched on the river, 7 now fledged, and 5 are now fairly safe, not to mention the 29 that the Trust has rescued and released, it's been a good year for the ducklings so far.
Short video below of ducklings eating crushed dried Mealworms, the best food protein for newly hatched ducklings.