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Once again the Crows have wiped out the entire river population of Ducklings in the past week, so far all 4 hatchings that I'm aware of have been taken by the Crows.
Two days ago I rescued another 2 ducklings that were about to be taken, having seen one of their siblings being picked off the surface of the moat by a crow.
The Mother was nowhere to be seen and most likely chased by the single Drakes, leaving the ducklings to the mercy of the crows. It was more than I could stand so added them to the 8 recently incubated ones from an abandoned nest. They have been accepted since there was only about three days difference in age.
Meanwhile the mother with 9 is doing well in the safety of the aviary. These ducklings are the only survivors in what has been a devastating couple of weeks on the lower river. For those of you who haven't managed to see any this year so far...a short clip of the ones in the brooder below.
Woody and Alan the woodpigeons are now flying short trips from worktop to floor and sink unit. I stopped using the syringe to feed them yesterday, and they are now feeding and drinking on their own. Sunflower seeds, and porridge oat flakes are a favourite, with the occasional garden pea. I happened to notice sparrows eating dandelion leaves in the garden, so pulled a couple for the pigeons, they too nibbled happily on the leaves. They are so laid back and relaxed which is contagious ! They will be put in the Aviary shortly, to get them used to normal temperatures and also the other birds. (Short video today eating sunflower seeds)
Mother Duck and Ducklings have taken to the Aviary like a duck to water, and they are behaving as though they were on the riverside.
Every so often she calls them over and gets them warm under her wings and has a nap.
Like any babies they need fed every few hours, so she takes them to the shower tray and they peck around for the chick starter feed, mealworm, and whatever else they can find.
The gale force winds on the river and snow melt spate would have cost a few duckling lives over the past 24 hours, so I'm glad they are safe and sound meanwhile.
Having 15 ducklings underneath one duck gets more difficult by the day, and if you look you will see a wee one looking out.
The warm southerly wind has brought the first sand martins of the season, and I saw about a dozen yesterday over the river.
Two Goosanders were also fishing in the turbid water today.
It might be the 13th of April, but this was a very lucky day for Nairns first duckling brood. I received a call from Moray Coast Vets this afternoon from one of my regular blog viewers, Helen Wright.
Helen had seen the mother duck crossing the links with 15 ducklings in tow, being diverted by some children the duck entered the garden of Ryden House when Helen gave me the call.
When I got there several people had gathered and Helen agreed to help with getting the family into the box. Fortunately the duck knew me, and readily started eating some grain I offered, surrounded by her brood.
Knowing the key to success was catching the mother first, I managed without any problems, after a bit of chasing around the shrubbery we managed to catch all 15 ducklings and get them into the box with Mum. I have now placed them in the safety of the Aviary, rather than take them to the river where they would certainly perish.
The weather is not only cold, but more importantly there is no insect life available for the ducklings to eat, in addition the crows and gulls would have them within 24 hours for the same reason, little food available.
When they are big enough to survive, I will put them into the river. For her compassion, doing the right thing and showing the Wright stuff - pun intended. The River Nairn Swans & Waterfowl trust gives Helen Wright this years membership to the Trust FREE of Charge, Welcome Helen ! Enjoy the pics and short video.
The lucky 7 ducklings will be 3 weeks old tomorrow, and good fortune still falls on them in the form of benign mild weather. Today I decided to move them into the coop and Aviary since the weather was favourable. Although only 3 weeks old, their size is equivalent to 6 weeks good summer growth in the river - the result of adequate food being available at all times. This was their first time outdoors since I brought them home. The coop is heated against the night time chill. (short wary vid in the shower tray below)
