No Place Like Home

Seems like one of the Cygnets prefers being at home with Mum and Dad , rather than the big scary world outside the river. 

Slim and Sue have so far not chased it away, just the occasional nibble when it gets too close to them eating. 

Weather conditions are almost spring like, so it wont be long before they escort the wee one away again.

 Meanwhile it's enjoying the fresh snow water baths, and the security of parents and food supply ! 

No Place Like Home

After being fostered out for three weeks, Disco our disabled duck's female offspring were returned to the Trust.  

                        I wanted to make sure they were integrated with the other rescued ducklings before being returned to the wild. The males were released elsewhere. It was fascinating to see the reaction between Disco and her offspring after a 3 week absence. 

They knew each other immediately, and the reunion was joyous. Only goes to show  there's no place like home, even for ducks !
These youngsters are capable of flight and will be released next week along with all the other rescued ones that should all be able to fly by the end of next week. 

All of them get on fine, but when chilling out in the garden, Disco and her 8 babes chill together as you can see. It does prove the fact that ducks can recognize their offspring and vice versa, even after  considerable growth and absence of weeks. Another Bird Brain fact.    Short Clip below, Disco heralding the return of her babes ! 
 

No Place Like Home - Return Of The Seven

Was told today by Mr John Bell owner of the rectory, that the Mother duck and the lucky 7 ducklings had returned to his garden from the river !

This is indeed astonishing after escorting them last week from his garden down to the river, the mother duck and ducklings made their way back the following day. Seems like there's no place like home for this particular duck.

The Garden is indeed huge with a lawn and pond, there is ample room for foraging and Mr and Mrs bell provide extra food as well. 

They are delighted to have the ducks and hope they stay until fully fledged.

                             I think they are likely to have ducks every year from now on, since either the mother or young are likely to return every nesting season !