Mama Wood Duck and her brood posed for a family portrait on one of the new alligator ramps installed around the rice field. I counted fourteen chicks while they were sitting still, but some were snoozing with their heads down so there may have been more. All About Birds says their clutch can have up to sixteen eggs.
A Common Gallinule was doing his best to photo bomb the portrait, paddling along behind them. I waited, hoping he would move along.
He did, but Mama felt it was time to move on, too, and they all bailed off in one fluid motion off the side of the ramp away from me.
They are gorgeous Ellen!
Thanks, Liz! Chicks are always fun to see, and this was a total surprise as I’d not seen ducks in this area before.
Wow! So many little chicks for her to look after!
This is such a wonderful time of the year as signs of new life are everywhere. I really like your shots of the wood duck family, minus the Dad. It saddens me a bit that the Moms are saddled with all of the responsibility to look after the numerous babies, unlike some other species where both parents are involved.
I love spring — great stuff happening everywhere you look, Mike! Thanks! Dad wasn’t around, that I could see. Other times I’ve seen the drake swimming near the family and helping with danger alerts, but certainly not with the herding of all those chicks. It is interesting watching all the different parenting styles in nature.
Such a thrill to see all these chicks. Great shots, Ellen.
Thanks, Jane, glad that you enjoyed them.
How adorable! Awesome sighting and wonderful shots, Ellen!
The chicks are really cute. I hope to see them again as they grow. Thanks!