When we topped the hill heading towards the dike these ducks looked like a fallen branch or maybe a sunbathing Alligator like we’ve seen before.
One of the adults was watchful in the direction they were sort of heading.
I suspect the youngsters cannot yet fly. As we approached they finally moved off the road and down a small bank towards water. One of the adults did a fly-hop part way, but the juveniles didn’t even try.
They jumped into the pond and swam to a hummock where they huddled up for safety. There are several Eagles in the area that I expect this crew has seen up close.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 23, 2025
I saw some of these at the wildlife refuge this fall. The high whistle that they make was my first indication of their presence. How fun that you were able to get close enough for photos.
That’s how I first saw one a few years ago, I had no idea what it was! Then it was several years before I saw another one.
I wish I could say that it was a pretty sound, but my recollection is that it was not. 🙂
The group photo on the hummock is nice. I didn’t know there were adults at this point 😆.