Summer at it's peak, with low water conditions and maximum vegetation growth, makes for easy living for the waterbirds.
Sue has moulted and Slim will soon follow.
Meanwhile he is the prime mover and has to take the lead showing the cygnets how to exercise their wings....
after a good feed of course! Short videos below.
After yesterdays sad news, it's not all doom and gloom here, it was nice to see the injured mother duck and her ducklings dashing around the garden pond.
Pleased to report that she has made a full recovery and her eyesight does not appear to have been permanently damaged.
She has just started moulting and they will all be ready for release around the middle of August. Short video below.
It was a gut wrenching moment as I tried to work out what had happened. The only possible explanation appears that it had fallen on it's back and was unable to get back on it's feet. I have seen ducklings in the past fall on their back when trying to climb up , then struggle to right themselves, usually successfully. The difference here, was that there was nothing to get purchase on like grass or stones. Unforeseen tragedy and a case of "The best laid plans of Mice and men..."
Although it avoids me having to make a future life or death decision, I have a deep feeling of sadness today. Dealing with wildlife can be rewarding... but also gut wrenching.
Having put it into a wash basin for a swim, it started swimming in ever decreasing circles, to the point of dizziness. It's feet were not on terra - firma and it had no orientation. I have tried to organise things so it can orientate the world around it. A large shoebox within the brooding box, with a food tray at one end and warm bed at the other.
Heat lamp above the bed area at a suitable height to provide comfort. I whistle and talk to it to provide an interest and communication, lifting it out for a change of scene, which it can only feel and sense through the warmth of my hands.
The feed tray has to be shallow enough and liquidised in suspension, so it gets food with every dip. The old adage, you don't miss what you have never had, comes to mind.
Seems happy enough for the moment. Two Short videos below.
Yesterday saw another brood of 10 ducklings take to the river from a house in Harbour street. All seemed well until it was time for them to head to the riverside the mother duck in the lead, but one duckling did not follow.
Thinking that maybe it had a leg problem, I decided to take it home for further examination. Seemed perfectly healthy preening and standing upright, but thought the eyes were shut all the time. On closer inspection I could not detect any eyes at all, took it to the Vet and she confirmed it had no eyes ! This is the first time I had ever come across a blind duckling.
Currently I have it in care until I decide what is the best option for the poor wee thing. Short videos below showing the mother trying to encourage ducklings to jump, and my communication with the blind duckling in care.
Have had several calls for advice on ducklings. Some people are concerned when seeing them in Town far from water trying to make their way back to the river. My experience tells me that Mother Duck knows best , and we should assist only when they are in mortal danger. Some useful things to know about ducks and their behaviour.
The females often choose a nice quiet garden with shrubs and bushes to nest under, it might be half a mile from water. Her mate or mates will usually hang around the area for a while until she has laid all her eggs , which takes about 2 weeks, then she sits on them to incubate for 4 weeks until they hatch. The mates usually have cleared off before then, and leave her to get on with it in peace.
With so many dogs around nowadays, secluded gardens are safer than the river banks. The nest area is spotted from the air and ducks have panoramic vision, so they know how to walk back to the river or any other nearby watercourse. When you spot a duck with a brood of ducklings walking through the streets, do not try to make them change direction... they know where they are heading. Helping them get there can be done by walking about 4 metres behind and stopping traffic when crossing a busy road. I have often successfully escorted mother and ducklings across town from the west end to the river by doing the above.
Remember , don't walk in front or try to lead them, they know the way they want to go. Female ducks by the way are the only ones who Quack, the males don't. If they have chosen a walled or enclosed garden to nest, and cant get their ducklings out, they do tend to make a lot of noise and fuss in desperation, that's when you can open a gate or catch the ducklings and let the mother lead them to the riverside. They rarely leave or abandon them, so let them do their thing.
Newly hatched ducklings do not need food for the first day, as they are living on their yolk sac , do not throw bread to them this will only attract predatory Crows and Gulls.
If you are lucky enough to have ducklings in your garden, just make sure they have access to drinking water. Short video below.
Now one week since Saffron and her brood were released to the river.
Delighted to report that they have all integrated and settled in with no losses.
They have drawn many comments and questions as to where they came from etc. I can tell you they are not Albino's, not domestic breeds, but white Mallards, and a likely throwback from white Campbells.
It's noticeable that some of them have a few black feathers close to the tail, again another indicator from a bygone time when Black ducks were bred from mallards in the 1940s.
White Campbells and Khaki Campbells were bred for their exceptional egg laying abilities and are bigger and heavier than ordinary Mallards.
Saffron and her brood are ordinary sized Mallards. Their habits and attitude are the same as wild Mallards I'm happy to report. Short video below.
The new Trust Calendar for 2023 is now available.
It's the 10th year since the founding of the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust. I have put together some of my personal favourite images over the years, along with some of this years moments. The Trust spends over £3000 a year on the care and welfare of the river Nairn birds. Recently there has been a sharp rise in the cost of wheat grain, which is the main source of supplementary feed for the birds.
Trust members can purchase this quality 12 page Calendar discounted at £8 + postage, all profits go to the care of the birds. Can also be purchased at the Nairn Bookshop, and Strachans in Nairn. Print is limited so let me know ASAP if you would like to order, Email jayteescot1@hotmail.com
After almost a year since Saffron was rescued, during this time she has reared her own brood of ducklings.
Three of them lovely white ducks like herself are now returned to the wild.
This was always my hope and intention , to create more diversity on the river.
For nearly 15 years I have seen tiny yellow ducklings occasionally hatched by wild Mallards, only to be taken by the Crows and Gulls within hours.
Now at last they have a chance to survive and procreate , at least for a while.
Saffron has proved herself to be feisty and protective of her brood, and I expect them to integrate well with the wild ducks on the river. Thanks to Trust members Martin and Ian, It's independence day for the new white settlers !😊 Short release video below.
Short videos below, showing Saffron's brood getting ready for the off... release day is coming !!
The recent duck casualty of the Drakes on the river, is finally looking on the mend.
The extent of the beating she got is apparent by the bare scalp, she is lucky to have survived.
She and the ducklings had a great new refreshed pool to bathe in, diving and dashing around like crazy.
Am now more hopeful that she will make a full recovery. Short video below.
The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust has been established just over 8 years. It has been brought to my attention that some indiv...
