Evolution In Action

My observations on the river birds over the years have given me quite a few surprises and much learning and awe of nature. Season after season I have watched Mallard ducks hatch broods up to 14 strong, only to be preyed on by Gulls, Crows , Herons, Mink, Rats and Otters. 

Often reduced to none or one or two survivors. I could not help thinking how much more successful they would be if they had the support of their partner Drakes, and why this never happened. The female Ducks have the task of watching over their brood while being pounced on by lonesome fertile drakes, often resulting in them having to flee in fear of their life! This leaves the ducklings at the mercy of predators.

Why has nature not taught them to have a mate for protection at this time, this would result in much more successful reproduction and survival of their offspring. Surely this would naturally evolve ?

Over the last few seasons I believe Evolution is in action in this regard. I have noticed that some mother ducks, have taken to reconnecting with their partners to tag along with the brood with marked success. They also seem to delay nesting which makes sense, more food and cover available, shorter nights, warmer, and crows have near finished feeding their offspring too. 

Many other animals and birds have evolved the safety in numbers and family unit being the road to success. The video below shows our successful mother who started with 11 ducklings a month ago now down to 10 due in great part to her mate being close by. ( Notice him chasing off an intruder ) Evolution in action, one reason why swans are so successful too.