Momma Duck - Part II - Nesting

 

 

Followed (to be) Momma Duck for the next week to see where she would end up.  She had created a nest earlier in the spring beside a cold frame near the greenhouse.  That nest was discovered by a predator.  Everyone was hoping she would pick a better nesting spot this time.  Glenna was the one who first spotted her tucked next to the brick wall in the courtyard.  Everyone agreed that this was a good spot away from predators, but how about visitors?  She seemed to blend right into the wall.  I walked right by her once.  Using feathers and mulch, she made herself quite a nest next to the begonias.

 

 

 

 

It would seem in the next few pictures that she was saying hello or go away, but in fact, when those bricks warmed up in the heat of the day, she started to pant.

 



 

 

Here I would just say she looked like she needed a drink of water, but wouldn't leave the nest in the heat of the day.

Momma Duck - Part 1

This story starts as part one of ten.  An exciting experience from last year and a marvel to me that I was able to document the entire event as it took place over time from conception to baby ducks swimming in the pond. 

 

One day last spring, the Rose Garden Crew was taking a break under the tree.  I had as usual been snapping some photos of the peacocks, so coincidentally, my camera happened to be on my lap. 

 

A cry for help goes unheeded ....
 



... and then it happened

I just kept snapping pictures ...

... as the rest couldn't decide to watch or look away.



We all felt sorry for the poor thing ...

... though none of us made effort to help.

And then it really happened ....

and just about the time you wanted to look away ...



... about fifteen seconds from the first moment ...



.. it was over.

The Day I SAVED a Duck and the day I almost didn't

Volunteering at Kingwood getting ready for the Spring Flower Festival, Lisa Duckworth and I were back in the service building area putting sand in baggies. (to hold papers on the tables the next day).  A guy brought in two white peeking ducks in a tub to donating to Kingwood.  Later that afternoon, I was watching them in the pond thinking they didn't look so well.  They were thrashing and splashing in the water.  But I wasn't sure and thought it was a possibility they were getting use to a new pond.  The next day I found out that the poor ducks didn't know how to get out of the pond and were found that morning exhausted, trying to keep afloat.  There is a secrete duck exit, but I guess they failed to figure it out.  I felt terrible that I didn't say something the day before.

So flash forward to the day I saw this peeking duck and I knew to act.  He wasn't thrashing the in the same way as last time, but the strange way its back tail feathers were up was my clue.  He seemed to just go around the side of the pond keeping its webbed feet against the slight concrete ledge.  Well, I went to the greenhouse and asked for one of the security guards to check on him.  I don't have a picture of the security guard pulling him out with a net, or the blood on his tiny webbed feet.  But the rescue mission was a success.  And I am happy to report that since his recovery he has been living happily on the pond with a wooden walking plank to safely get him in and out of the pond!   

Happy Days - NEW DUCKS ! ! !

Shawn McClain acquired a few new friends for the duck pond.  I will elaborate on the others later, but today I will focus on my favorite.  Sorry Indian Runners.  The East Indie Duck and Peking friend.  I don't have any beautiful shots yet.  These are just introductory shots.  But I consider this duck to be special, so there are too many pictures to follow!



You want to take pictures of me?



not until



I've done some preening



Come over here and get in the picture!



Tandem Preening



Just a few



more feathers....



Ready for my close up



Get my good side..



Playing Coy



Photo shoot done.  Now I need a drink!

Welcome Back to the Wood Ducks

Look who's back!

Very excited to see the wood ducks return.  Last year there was only one but this year they came back as a pair.    Pretty ducks and I am looking forward to getting more pictues.  It was raining today.  Dark and overcast, so this was as good as I could do without photo shop. 

The Indian Runners were giving me their rear ends this morning.  Not very interested in getting their pictures taken today. 

And to satisfy my dear friend Kathy M (who hates ducks) just in case she reads this post, (and hopefully stays off facebook with her bird opinions) here is a flower picture. 

Kingwood Center - Gates Open Today

March 1st.  My guy and I headed over to Kingwood for a walk.  I took the picture to the left and put it on the Kingwood Center facebook page. 

The ducks and peacocks were happy to see that we remembered to bring a few quarters for corn.

Winter Ducks

Watching my woodpeckers eat peanut butter treats in the back yard, my mind wanders to feeding the Kingwood Ducks.  Shown are a few random pictures that I took in previous years.  These haven't been touched up, but I enjoy them as they are.  I like how they fly toward me and then they sit down in the snow to eat so their feet don't get cold.  Funny.

Duck Angel

Christmas Eve Day is a magical time.  Here I caught a picture of a duck angel hovering over the duck pond.

Winter has arrived at the Duck Pond

I aways consider the first day of official winter the day the fence goes up on the duck pond.  Shawn M. put the chain link up around the walkway of the pond on Friday.  He paused briefly from completing the task as to not disturb them while I was feeding, as the ducks were not at all happy with the process.  Now that it has been completed I don't think they care at all.  Here they are anticipating another feeding, but soon afterward retreated to the unfrozen water in the back of the pond.

Wood Duck

After returning to Ohio, from an extended visit in Texas, my guy and I put a few quaters in our pocket and went to Kingwood. At the duck pond we were greeted by peacocks and Indian Runner ducks. As the Mallards swam across the pond toward us, we noticed a smaller duck among them. A Wood duck has joined the Kingwood Duck Pond family. At least, I think it is a Wood duck. Initially I thought it was a Merganser, but upon checking my Field Guide to Birds, realized it was not due to the white around its eye. I also find it difficult to tell if it is a winter male or female. Going back later in the day to get a picture, we found it still hanging out with the Mallards, but this time in the back pond (over by the peony garden). Turns out it has been seen at Kingwood for a few weeks now and let’s hope it stays.