tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38691325462720001842024-03-06T00:44:33.328-08:00Killdeers, Phoebes and Finches (and Ducks!)My blog about my interaction with the birds I love and see most often. Warning: This is not a scientific blog, there is some mild (limited) anthropomorphism. I believe animals and people aren't too different, emotionally. Enjoy!Darlene!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02631682227801478517noreply@blogger.comBlogger590125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-3205881828548934442021-07-30T17:24:00.005-07:002021-07-30T17:24:26.947-07:00Geese at Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="339" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/No-U2YxlMFQ" width="483" youtube-src-id="No-U2YxlMFQ"></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p> Lake Murray has a sizeable population of geese, and they don't always get around. One particular mean gander was the first gander to raise babies there. He bites other goslings that aren't his and attacks his own, sometimes viciously, when they are almost a year old. Not long ago, the coyotes killed him. At the time, he had three almost-grown goslings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxEGIWGpfRk/YQSXEC3rcDI/AAAAAAAAJq8/GNjfrlU3tRoyz0ggpySjv4-WiCGADHvxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/widow%2Bmama%2B0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxEGIWGpfRk/YQSXEC3rcDI/AAAAAAAAJq8/GNjfrlU3tRoyz0ggpySjv4-WiCGADHvxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h213/widow%2Bmama%2B0606.JPG" title="The widow and her goslings the day after the coyote attack." width="320" /></a></div><p>The rest of this family went from the highest-ranking family to the bottom. Fortunately, the goslings were only a couple of weeks away from flying, so they were OK. However, one thing I noticed is that the entire flock seemed more peaceful. I am not saying that no one nipped or chased anyone, but they seemed calmer and quieter. I even made a video about it.</p><p>Currently, most of this year's flock are doing "flying lessons." Therefore, many of them are not at the lake. One gosling is still too young to fly. </p><p>Babba, the domestic gander, attached himself to a family with four goslings. He and the gander were buddies, but Babba didn't like the mom. Now that they are of flaying age, they have left him alone. He sometimes tries to hang out with the last young gosling, but I don't think the parents are putting up with him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEblwRBZ1m4/YQSXaNO0ulI/AAAAAAAAJrE/JY9LwJhHgvk5xQDYsF8CU1myyqw6bMu6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/babba%2Band%2Bgoslings%2B0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="800" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEblwRBZ1m4/YQSXaNO0ulI/AAAAAAAAJrE/JY9LwJhHgvk5xQDYsF8CU1myyqw6bMu6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/babba%2Band%2Bgoslings%2B0504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>You may see the geese come and go at this time. However, they will rarely stay in one place all day. </p>Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-7658483402130540752021-07-15T19:36:00.002-07:002021-07-15T19:36:59.853-07:00About Leucistic Mallards<p> At Lake Murray in San Diego, I've seen
several leucistic-type mallards over the years. When I say leucistic,
I mean true wild ducks with a lack of color. Lake Murray has also had
its share of dumped domestic buff and khaki Campbell ducks with light
coloring. These are not leucistic mallards.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3RxTGCK5j4/YPDv5I8GY0I/AAAAAAAAJp0/6csimhZDIVgWPyjUZ7wVgpIqpuiAMsRWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/bossygirl0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHagGRTQWsU/YPDwBnHrQRI/AAAAAAAAJp4/cEpkpyreEqMPWqkPNyLFutVlyG8ObvI_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/bossygirl0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHagGRTQWsU/YPDwBnHrQRI/AAAAAAAAJp4/cEpkpyreEqMPWqkPNyLFutVlyG8ObvI_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/bossygirl0616.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bossy Girl is a domestic buff </td></tr></tbody></table>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">If you are unsure if you are looking at
a domestic buff duck versus a wild leucistic mallard, consider these
guidelines:</p>
<ul>
<li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Domestic ducks often cannot fly or
fly well</p>
</li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Domestic ducks usually have a
longer and bulkier build</p>
</li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Many domestic duck breeds lack
special speculum feathers</p>
</li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Leucistic mallards are shaped and
sized the same as wild mallards</p>
</li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Leucistic mallards often have blue
speculums, though it depends on which color they lack</p>
</li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Leucistic mallards fly just as
well as any other mallard</p></li></ul>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A few domestic duck breeds can fly very
well, but they often differ from wild mallards in other respects.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Leuci II is a great example of a wild
leucistic mallard. Currently, she is about four years old. The
original leuci lived for 10 years before she passed. Leuci II is
about four years old. In my research, I have found at least one
expert says that leucistic mallard feathers are more prone to damage.
However, that doesn't seem to have any effect lifespan of the ducks
here.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9khshsKMnLw/YPDvFbbhmHI/AAAAAAAAJps/Nas9ZysZelAF73Q5xscIRvJYoK3duCw3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/BOSSYGIRL0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Leuci II and her babies" border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9khshsKMnLw/YPDvFbbhmHI/AAAAAAAAJps/Nas9ZysZelAF73Q5xscIRvJYoK3duCw3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/BOSSYGIRL0613.JPG" title="Leuci II and her babies this year." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leuci II is a full wild mallard</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Both Lecuis were successful at breeding
and producing normal-colored ducklings. However, original Leuci was
not a good mother and never successfully raised a duckling to
adulthood. Leuci II, however, has been successful. So far, it is
unknown if that leucistic gene has been passed on to her
grand-babies. However, several other ducks at the lake lack certain
colors in their feathers, so it's possible.</p>Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0Lake Murray, San Diego, CA, USA32.7872308 -117.04336534.4769969638211577 -152.1996153 61.097464636178849 -81.8871153tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-12873329269910534712020-04-27T09:58:00.000-07:002020-04-27T09:58:02.113-07:00The Lake Is Reopening SoonLake Murray has been closed and blocked off to exercisers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there have been a few people who have broken past the barriers, it means that the domestic ducks likely haven't been fed for a while. I got one report that some of the ducks have begun to die off because they haven't been fed. From Baltimore Drive, I've been checking on the three white ducks and notice that there are now two of them. I will try to go in by the end of this week to see how many domestic ducks are left.<br />
<br />
One wild duck that people are concerned about is Broken Bill with the smashed up bill. Last time I saw him, though, he seemed to be OK, fairly robust, and hanging out with the other wild ducks. I think he may have been foraging on his own with natural food. I took this picture of him last October.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKLSllSDxro/XqcOQjab3EI/AAAAAAAAJb4/5KYlQubX77URMzjo7iVLNLPyin5wbBrbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/broken%2Bbill%2B101819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="800" height="234" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKLSllSDxro/XqcOQjab3EI/AAAAAAAAJb4/5KYlQubX77URMzjo7iVLNLPyin5wbBrbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/broken%2Bbill%2B101819.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the positive side, the lack of people meant less harassment of the nesting Canada geese. They've sure been quiet. Last week, I think I saw a mama duck with a brood of ducklings, too. I hope to see more of them, plus the goslings, later this week or whenever the lake opens back up. Last I've heard it wasn't going to open up until May 1st, but that could be pushed back.</div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-11836511343307788232019-06-22T19:18:00.002-07:002019-06-22T19:18:42.530-07:00Update at Lake MurraySorry that it's been so long! I don't go to the lake as regularly as I usually do. The lake is full of geese and goslings now! Weird thing is that they don't creche there and many of the families fight. I found this little guy all by himself with no other goslings his age. I took him to Project Wildlife a few weeks ago and haven't heard anything since.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNz0vMwB9Lk/XQ7gWZKytXI/AAAAAAAAJUY/29Pjdz8FsuIkqGfUz36EMwrHlo3XlVu1gCLcBGAs/s1600/rescued%2Bgosling%2B0524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNz0vMwB9Lk/XQ7gWZKytXI/AAAAAAAAJUY/29Pjdz8FsuIkqGfUz36EMwrHlo3XlVu1gCLcBGAs/s320/rescued%2Bgosling%2B0524.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
More goslings from this season, including two very large families. One family has managed to retain and raise seven goslings almost to adulthood.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QV1LHJWe3Y8/XQ7gdQP_tJI/AAAAAAAAJUc/p9OLD8EU5K4hMeNzi_5FGLuSjkE4TfEUwCLcBGAs/s1600/3%2Bof%2B7%2B0515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QV1LHJWe3Y8/XQ7gdQP_tJI/AAAAAAAAJUc/p9OLD8EU5K4hMeNzi_5FGLuSjkE4TfEUwCLcBGAs/s320/3%2Bof%2B7%2B0515.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oS2uHCDozQc/XQ7gjnK8Z4I/AAAAAAAAJUg/GXl_sFzGzJw7jWGe5ovZQ9aw5LlC6Q_qwCLcBGAs/s1600/wake%2Bup%2Bbaby%2B0515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="800" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oS2uHCDozQc/XQ7gjnK8Z4I/AAAAAAAAJUg/GXl_sFzGzJw7jWGe5ovZQ9aw5LlC6Q_qwCLcBGAs/s320/wake%2Bup%2Bbaby%2B0515.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Geese are so fun and Canada geese are the best.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl5OT8-k91k/XQ7gsjUGu7I/AAAAAAAAJUs/mEcSxO8tf1EBxAYb7VTvarzVzlxYirIWACLcBGAs/s1600/another%2B7%2Bgosling%2Bfamily%2B0503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="800" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl5OT8-k91k/XQ7gsjUGu7I/AAAAAAAAJUs/mEcSxO8tf1EBxAYb7VTvarzVzlxYirIWACLcBGAs/s320/another%2B7%2Bgosling%2Bfamily%2B0503.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There have been several common gallinule chicks hatched at the lake from this one female. It appears that the female does everything. There is no sign of the male at all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnPsHSzx9yI/XQ7gm_QhV_I/AAAAAAAAJUk/pN1jHJyYnHIPPtJx033xfBbRa0e1j0DqwCLcBGAs/s1600/gallinule%2Bchicks%2B0524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="800" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnPsHSzx9yI/XQ7gm_QhV_I/AAAAAAAAJUk/pN1jHJyYnHIPPtJx033xfBbRa0e1j0DqwCLcBGAs/s320/gallinule%2Bchicks%2B0524.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And, of course, ducklings. Unfortunately, I was gone for a while and didn't see a whole lot of ducklings. However, I did see a few broods have ducklings make it to flying age.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWlXf_mxtW0/XQ7gqGfTh7I/AAAAAAAAJUo/AyOjku7iecYfSR1wvotmlpBJ-HsTKSRAgCLcBGAs/s1600/mom%2Bof%2B6%2Bwith%2B5%2B0515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="800" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWlXf_mxtW0/XQ7gqGfTh7I/AAAAAAAAJUo/AyOjku7iecYfSR1wvotmlpBJ-HsTKSRAgCLcBGAs/s320/mom%2Bof%2B6%2Bwith%2B5%2B0515.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OTdAY8KDeVM/XQ7gwwSL5_I/AAAAAAAAJU0/cQXXK_uJAkUmCt8kDgRmQEKdMy2S-P6rACLcBGAs/s1600/ducklings%2B0520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OTdAY8KDeVM/XQ7gwwSL5_I/AAAAAAAAJU0/cQXXK_uJAkUmCt8kDgRmQEKdMy2S-P6rACLcBGAs/s320/ducklings%2B0520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-88117019384760975872018-05-28T15:22:00.000-07:002018-05-28T15:22:51.433-07:00Updates and Alaska TripI've been very busy lately, but I did take some bird pictures. I haven't been keeping a whole lot of track of the ducks at the lake. Several have gone missing. For example, I haven't seen the puffy-headed pekin and his girlfriend for a while. Also, we've had several really young ducklings dumped which didn't make it. There are a couple of new domestic ducks, too, including a Muscovy hybrid (Mulard).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhHot0XRgyY/Wwx-CdjWAiI/AAAAAAAAI6I/dcDIbjVzonE8QRWpACD_czQFaiHBpiZpgCLcBGAs/s1600/Mulard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhHot0XRgyY/Wwx-CdjWAiI/AAAAAAAAI6I/dcDIbjVzonE8QRWpACD_czQFaiHBpiZpgCLcBGAs/s320/Mulard.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Moulard at the Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Miss Half-Face showed up again this year with what looks like a bad infection. I'm not sure, but I think someone finally caught her. I haven't seen her in a while.<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYT7hTV8z1M/Wwx-uc9EfxI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/ULplouGsPUk-SxeyM5fgMIKAy2nCxjkPgCLcBGAs/s1600/miss%2Bhalf%2Bface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYT7hTV8z1M/Wwx-uc9EfxI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/ULplouGsPUk-SxeyM5fgMIKAy2nCxjkPgCLcBGAs/s320/miss%2Bhalf%2Bface.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Half-Face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><br />
<br />
Also, I went to Cordova, Alaska for their Copper River Delta shorebird festival. Here are some of the pictures I took of the town and the birds. Most of the birds were the same as they are around San Diego, but in their breeding colors.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DX3zBoZHi98/Wwx-_gmZb3I/AAAAAAAAI6Y/ZMbFRsQ1xZkAIqafqvkzVMjdoo2Uwp8BgCLcBGAs/s1600/mt%2Beyak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DX3zBoZHi98/Wwx-_gmZb3I/AAAAAAAAI6Y/ZMbFRsQ1xZkAIqafqvkzVMjdoo2Uwp8BgCLcBGAs/s320/mt%2Beyak.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Eyak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ti3hcm8o_8/Wwx_Cf3WOlI/AAAAAAAAI6c/3aUVsipmQ68qU7BlEF5JBMRDAxPR8DS8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ti3hcm8o_8/Wwx_Cf3WOlI/AAAAAAAAI6c/3aUVsipmQ68qU7BlEF5JBMRDAxPR8DS8gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1933.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure which mountain this is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnKS1l8WgLg/Wwx_DWPDEpI/AAAAAAAAI6g/tLa_3Y5TQjIFhRBwRDz-uU7HgP2SCl6UQCLcBGAs/s1600/hartney%2Bbay%2B050518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnKS1l8WgLg/Wwx_DWPDEpI/AAAAAAAAI6g/tLa_3Y5TQjIFhRBwRDz-uU7HgP2SCl6UQCLcBGAs/s320/hartney%2Bbay%2B050518.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hartney Bay with geese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FV6zw_9t56g/Wwx_E3lbYoI/AAAAAAAAI6k/vimYGU9V3TQWI-zu-OLz-9c8wQmX7YNRQCLcBGAs/s1600/greater%2Bwhite%2Bfronted%2Bgoose%2B5518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FV6zw_9t56g/Wwx_E3lbYoI/AAAAAAAAI6k/vimYGU9V3TQWI-zu-OLz-9c8wQmX7YNRQCLcBGAs/s320/greater%2Bwhite%2Bfronted%2Bgoose%2B5518.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater white-fronted geese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwhkmBKTLvY/Wwx_GtOC-PI/AAAAAAAAI6o/3OFKqfWqwiskaJaR5QBbWkuAK9Ix8fauwCLcBGAs/s1600/heney%2Bridge%2Btrail%2B050618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwhkmBKTLvY/Wwx_GtOC-PI/AAAAAAAAI6o/3OFKqfWqwiskaJaR5QBbWkuAK9Ix8fauwCLcBGAs/s320/heney%2Bridge%2Btrail%2B050618.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off the Henly Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oq3M8R5tDpg/Wwx_HickapI/AAAAAAAAI6s/_O6mPWiL9003NB9ZKAtxowyjItaKpcMfACLcBGAs/s1600/heney%2Bridge%2Btrail1%2B050618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oq3M8R5tDpg/Wwx_HickapI/AAAAAAAAI6s/_O6mPWiL9003NB9ZKAtxowyjItaKpcMfACLcBGAs/s320/heney%2Bridge%2Btrail1%2B050618.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henly Trail easy part</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNT-3ytrc4o/Wwx_JZdmdCI/AAAAAAAAI6w/uJyUT623QsQKQEs6LAoH4v6udyW1L8tKwCLcBGAs/s1600/lots%2Bof%2Bpeeps%2B050518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNT-3ytrc4o/Wwx_JZdmdCI/AAAAAAAAI6w/uJyUT623QsQKQEs6LAoH4v6udyW1L8tKwCLcBGAs/s320/lots%2Bof%2Bpeeps%2B050518.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western and least sandpiper with a few dunlin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcsLi6Vkeug/Wwx_MORdpBI/AAAAAAAAI60/8sq4kedeV-MCdGrp6fuuw_QjRgyEHIKGACLcBGAs/s1600/snow%2Bgeese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="800" height="219" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcsLi6Vkeug/Wwx_MORdpBI/AAAAAAAAI60/8sq4kedeV-MCdGrp6fuuw_QjRgyEHIKGACLcBGAs/s320/snow%2Bgeese.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow geese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaDSwFLi2Lo/Wwx_OMnanCI/AAAAAAAAI64/MlheU1T5j-I8EpFm_HZwlLNXh_o8jNYpgCLcBGAs/s1600/whimbrels%2Band%2Bpeeps1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaDSwFLi2Lo/Wwx_OMnanCI/AAAAAAAAI64/MlheU1T5j-I8EpFm_HZwlLNXh_o8jNYpgCLcBGAs/s320/whimbrels%2Band%2Bpeeps1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whimbrels and peeps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEi7JZ7OBC4/Wwx_Qub7pQI/AAAAAAAAI68/0KRdP03c-g8RKbbfA9eXHLngNojIaLaZQCLcBGAs/s1600/hartney%2Bbay%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bmorning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="800" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEi7JZ7OBC4/Wwx_Qub7pQI/AAAAAAAAI68/0KRdP03c-g8RKbbfA9eXHLngNojIaLaZQCLcBGAs/s320/hartney%2Bbay%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bmorning.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hartney Bay in the mountin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_I5nDwU8p4k/Wwx_R8RfYsI/AAAAAAAAI7A/NBgB-N8IqKUmPdOxPR_CpBxtrSgeDOYygCLcBGAs/s1600/Hartney%2Bbay%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bevening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="789" height="198" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_I5nDwU8p4k/Wwx_R8RfYsI/AAAAAAAAI7A/NBgB-N8IqKUmPdOxPR_CpBxtrSgeDOYygCLcBGAs/s320/Hartney%2Bbay%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bevening.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hartney Bay in the evening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI6oJmsfOpw/Wwx_ndgRDEI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/84iEbSaWVBgXrFCCp3EU9uNMqQOCiBJTACLcBGAs/s1600/bald%2Beagle%2B5618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="800" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI6oJmsfOpw/Wwx_ndgRDEI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/84iEbSaWVBgXrFCCp3EU9uNMqQOCiBJTACLcBGAs/s320/bald%2Beagle%2B5618.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bald eagle hanging out in the neighborhood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At the lake, two broods of Canada geese have arrived so far. There's been a few broods of ducklings, but not a whole lot. Grey Babba seems to have taken a new wife, but she has a wandering eye, so I am not sure if that marriage is going to last.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s8S-a2mNybY/Wwx_1uR8pLI/AAAAAAAAI7c/28Y13qKRsGIPJ8utqXRjn5y-lArmnDxtwCLcBGAs/s1600/babba%2Band%2Bnew%2Bfriend%2B42418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s8S-a2mNybY/Wwx_1uR8pLI/AAAAAAAAI7c/28Y13qKRsGIPJ8utqXRjn5y-lArmnDxtwCLcBGAs/s320/babba%2Band%2Bnew%2Bfriend%2B42418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Blonde duck also has a new dumped girlfriend of his very own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9w3yTfGtdGyaW9XhbphtPpGpqiTby7mYVK_OOflLZJswsoG-ZTAAdWPb6CiAestLCaxpRP52Rntnjm-7yRjE0lylR-ozmLqu7xa6rilniJgcOdTbuoBU-HPTtvwNv4gkskCcZ8BnTSg/s1600/blonde+duck+and+new+girl+042918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9w3yTfGtdGyaW9XhbphtPpGpqiTby7mYVK_OOflLZJswsoG-ZTAAdWPb6CiAestLCaxpRP52Rntnjm-7yRjE0lylR-ozmLqu7xa6rilniJgcOdTbuoBU-HPTtvwNv4gkskCcZ8BnTSg/s320/blonde+duck+and+new+girl+042918.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-7655098551099032782018-01-31T18:02:00.001-08:002018-01-31T18:02:14.328-08:00Random Rambles and PicturesI just thought that, since I have't posted in a while, that I would post a few random updates.<br />
<br />
I saw Pepper the duck a couple of weeks ago at Lake Murray. He'll be 7 this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jqt8u-Jh3DU/WnJy5CC4t7I/AAAAAAAAIxo/YOfsGuALlkkOKipQnkqkdJz9syKMxOeoQCLcBGAs/s1600/pepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="800" height="247" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jqt8u-Jh3DU/WnJy5CC4t7I/AAAAAAAAIxo/YOfsGuALlkkOKipQnkqkdJz9syKMxOeoQCLcBGAs/s320/pepper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Several ring-necked ducks are also at Lake Murray right now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7fJKbrzkjw/WnJy5nYqESI/AAAAAAAAIxs/n-N5Z--R5-YevtzRvJntZAVuSpbrLtXZQCLcBGAs/s1600/ring%2Bneck%2Bducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7fJKbrzkjw/WnJy5nYqESI/AAAAAAAAIxs/n-N5Z--R5-YevtzRvJntZAVuSpbrLtXZQCLcBGAs/s320/ring%2Bneck%2Bducks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Remember Snowie and Snowy's duckling, Uno? Well, he's back with his girlfriend. He's less red now, but still looks a lot like his mom and dad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4aPK7t7qOCU/WnJy8Bop80I/AAAAAAAAIxw/y99-sX45tykCQgC4w9t7KhK_i25sA5m9ACLcBGAs/s1600/uno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="500" height="227" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4aPK7t7qOCU/WnJy8Bop80I/AAAAAAAAIxw/y99-sX45tykCQgC4w9t7KhK_i25sA5m9ACLcBGAs/s320/uno.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This new gray duck was dropped off the lake a few months ago. She's doing well so far. I think we also had a new female Pekin, but something happened to her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YhOv9wHAVNI/WnJy9161gRI/AAAAAAAAIx0/DZj4lY7iZuQ2K4SXOXxALSMn-veTu2ALgCLcBGAs/s1600/grey%2Bduck1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YhOv9wHAVNI/WnJy9161gRI/AAAAAAAAIx0/DZj4lY7iZuQ2K4SXOXxALSMn-veTu2ALgCLcBGAs/s320/grey%2Bduck1026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Fat little spotted sandpiper is spending the winter at the lake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LaAHdT3XTbs/WnJzI8rKX_I/AAAAAAAAIyE/7YB-OsuaNHQ33Mr-zyoQn0S9tqE60TqfgCLcBGAs/s1600/sandpiper%2Bat%2Blake%2Bmurray%2B123017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="800" height="194" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LaAHdT3XTbs/WnJzI8rKX_I/AAAAAAAAIyE/7YB-OsuaNHQ33Mr-zyoQn0S9tqE60TqfgCLcBGAs/s320/sandpiper%2Bat%2Blake%2Bmurray%2B123017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Here's a sunset photo from Lake Murray in November.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SKmJeg8Lk8/WnJzAXPTHfI/AAAAAAAAIx4/6XhVnbdQZAEaD9wnjUkY8VY6UhUosfbXgCLcBGAs/s1600/November2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="795" height="205" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SKmJeg8Lk8/WnJzAXPTHfI/AAAAAAAAIx4/6XhVnbdQZAEaD9wnjUkY8VY6UhUosfbXgCLcBGAs/s320/November2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I went to the Southeast Arizona bird festival last August. I got some OK pictures. Here's what I think is a Laconte's Thrasher at the Payton Center for Hummingbirds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxIZxZhecpA/WnJzGbPDuaI/AAAAAAAAIx8/x0CzbEwNpiU1is7bjsSXvWYs9aclSwHsgCLcBGAs/s1600/thrasher%2Bin%2Barizona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="800" height="220" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxIZxZhecpA/WnJzGbPDuaI/AAAAAAAAIx8/x0CzbEwNpiU1is7bjsSXvWYs9aclSwHsgCLcBGAs/s320/thrasher%2Bin%2Barizona.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lots of White-winged doves there, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIMIFZts9IQ/WnJzH032AII/AAAAAAAAIyA/fRm3s439ikQIXOc5wmp9CPFjc3RcupkYwCEwYBhgL/s1600/White%2Bwinged%2Bdove%2Bin%2Barizona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="800" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIMIFZts9IQ/WnJzH032AII/AAAAAAAAIyA/fRm3s439ikQIXOc5wmp9CPFjc3RcupkYwCEwYBhgL/s320/White%2Bwinged%2Bdove%2Bin%2Barizona.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And, of course, hummingbirds. I saw several species there. Here are two different kinds right here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lbcxeLLCXzA/WnJ0VtcrEmI/AAAAAAAAIyU/MiiqTyNlDpwjQuT6O3staAl6EgWLg7V9ACLcBGAs/s1600/two%2Bhummingbirds%2B811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="800" height="226" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lbcxeLLCXzA/WnJ0VtcrEmI/AAAAAAAAIyU/MiiqTyNlDpwjQuT6O3staAl6EgWLg7V9ACLcBGAs/s320/two%2Bhummingbirds%2B811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was also at the Salton Sea last weekend. Not much going on there, though. No ducks or pelicans.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZLr8J1IUTY/WnJzMV2ckvI/AAAAAAAAIyQ/3etnCabky-YYl89zlZOczIUyrwpcrtRBgCLcBGAs/s1600/salton%2Bsea%2B12718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="800" height="182" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZLr8J1IUTY/WnJzMV2ckvI/AAAAAAAAIyQ/3etnCabky-YYl89zlZOczIUyrwpcrtRBgCLcBGAs/s320/salton%2Bsea%2B12718.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ring-billed gulls flying by:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08eNalKT0Es/WnJzJqEdmHI/AAAAAAAAIyI/lnRXqZxggecF8Kd2iJV4bdicpPc_wDdkACLcBGAs/s1600/gulls%2Bat%2Bsalton%2Bsea%2B12718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="800" height="234" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08eNalKT0Es/WnJzJqEdmHI/AAAAAAAAIyI/lnRXqZxggecF8Kd2iJV4bdicpPc_wDdkACLcBGAs/s320/gulls%2Bat%2Bsalton%2Bsea%2B12718.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Stilts, too, and a couple killdeer, but not much else.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWapyF87stM/WnJzKNOVMjI/AAAAAAAAIyM/WJK4k7yed_we6v28FqHEy6d2tmmzKtrxQCLcBGAs/s1600/stlts%2Bin%2Ba%2Brow%2B12718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="800" height="197" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWapyF87stM/WnJzKNOVMjI/AAAAAAAAIyM/WJK4k7yed_we6v28FqHEy6d2tmmzKtrxQCLcBGAs/s320/stlts%2Bin%2Ba%2Brow%2B12718.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-35324603049828089542017-09-14T18:56:00.000-07:002017-09-14T18:59:52.920-07:00Final Duckling ReportI'm sorry that I haven't been updating lately as I've been so busy that personal projects have been put aside. I have a ton of photos which haven't been processed yet, including several bird pictures from my trip to a bird festival in Tucson. In the meantime, I have a few duckling photos from the last of this year's ducklings.<br />
<br />
I would have to say that, in terms of survivors, this year has been a great duckling season, except for July. I didn't see a single duckling hatched in late June or July survive, though a few might have in areas that I couldn't reach.<br />
<br />
I think in my last post on July 7th, I mentioned this orphaned duckling and the mom who lost all of her ducklings. Well, the duckling finally bonded to this mama. I saw both of them for a few more days before they disappeared. I think the mama took him to a safer place. I am not sure if he made it adulthood, but if he did, he may be the only one to do so.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fm5qVpKHqyg/WbsshnH2vzI/AAAAAAAAIvA/1Ga7uUgrsO4IxUkGpzhnHCPBBir3WHcBACLcBGAs/s1600/orphan%2Bduckling%2B0710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="800" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fm5qVpKHqyg/WbsshnH2vzI/AAAAAAAAIvA/1Ga7uUgrsO4IxUkGpzhnHCPBBir3WHcBACLcBGAs/s320/orphan%2Bduckling%2B0710.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This mother duck had 13 ducklings to begin with. She hung around the boat docks and was doing really well with her ducklings and managed to keep most of them alive for at least two weeks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHezhnP2iSI/WbstOoZZTQI/AAAAAAAAIvI/fix61-ON8Yk58rqpD5qXEONc5im--ouNACLcBGAs/s1600/mom%2Band%2B1%2Bof%2B11%2Bducklings%2B0627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="800" height="202" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHezhnP2iSI/WbstOoZZTQI/AAAAAAAAIvI/fix61-ON8Yk58rqpD5qXEONc5im--ouNACLcBGAs/s320/mom%2Band%2B1%2Bof%2B11%2Bducklings%2B0627.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, unfortunately, a coyote or dog attacked her and her ducklings, ripped off part of her face and damaged her eye. The eye is still there, but severely damaged. She then began to lose ducklings until, after almost three weeks, none were left.<br />
<br />
I saw the mama duck for a couple of weeks after this and she was healing up very well and showed no signs of affliction except she had to compensate for not being able to see on that side. She was even flirting with the males. Unfortunately, I haven't seen her for almost a month now and don't know if she just moved off to a new area of passed away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Be-YIJm-8M/WbstW3vtSUI/AAAAAAAAIvM/be6qokTHwKUeASmoeBAG4Dj0XYh2UxFPACLcBGAs/s1600/mom%2Bwith%2Bmissing%2Beye%2B0713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="800" height="229" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Be-YIJm-8M/WbstW3vtSUI/AAAAAAAAIvM/be6qokTHwKUeASmoeBAG4Dj0XYh2UxFPACLcBGAs/s320/mom%2Bwith%2Bmissing%2Beye%2B0713.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The adopted duckling with the older sibling grew up and are really tight best friends. The adopted one is a female and the other one is a male and go everywhere together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNrs9SbtFC0/WbstdRl_YgI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/grrpc5HTF4MttabuWurXkDqsoPSadV1CACLcBGAs/s1600/big%2Band%2Blittle%2Bone%2B0710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNrs9SbtFC0/WbstdRl_YgI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/grrpc5HTF4MttabuWurXkDqsoPSadV1CACLcBGAs/s320/big%2Band%2Blittle%2Bone%2B0710.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is the female one, still friendly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rAE8UrZyOIM/WbstgLynKPI/AAAAAAAAIvU/ULvqkGdhTKoy0SvErqN54DCuTzvFQzC2QCLcBGAs/s1600/adopted%2Bduckling%2B0713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rAE8UrZyOIM/WbstgLynKPI/AAAAAAAAIvU/ULvqkGdhTKoy0SvErqN54DCuTzvFQzC2QCLcBGAs/s320/adopted%2Bduckling%2B0713.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-593y3Vj4zv8/Wbstt9hyq0I/AAAAAAAAIvk/1-pjSkx6oA4Cl1SUJ84OojqsmmrcGuJpQCLcBGAs/s1600/adopted%2Bduckling%2B0721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-593y3Vj4zv8/Wbstt9hyq0I/AAAAAAAAIvk/1-pjSkx6oA4Cl1SUJ84OojqsmmrcGuJpQCLcBGAs/s320/adopted%2Bduckling%2B0721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The other duckling that was raised separate by another female became independent really early and left her mom on her own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHdk49UMJSI/WbsvoE8v8VI/AAAAAAAAIv4/30Mc-CuPCQ8VcVUtiXGnNVD4sXJXN5-vACLcBGAs/s1600/miss%2Bindependant%2B0715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="800" height="222" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHdk49UMJSI/WbsvoE8v8VI/AAAAAAAAIv4/30Mc-CuPCQ8VcVUtiXGnNVD4sXJXN5-vACLcBGAs/s320/miss%2Bindependant%2B0715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A new mother duck with four ducklings showed up. She looked like one of Miss Una's relatives.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzXzEnqx1Fs/WbstoP3OTiI/AAAAAAAAIvc/Z3CxIwsLId8GjtR_G-maPDDgCOOu4pFMACLcBGAs/s1600/new%2Bmama%2B0717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzXzEnqx1Fs/WbstoP3OTiI/AAAAAAAAIvc/Z3CxIwsLId8GjtR_G-maPDDgCOOu4pFMACLcBGAs/s320/new%2Bmama%2B0717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A fifth duckling from her brood was hatched later at someone's house, so the person at that house released him at the lake. However, she released him to wrong mother who attacked him. That mama had an independent duckling and the new duckling bonded to him and was glued to him for a long time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPCzPMHKKdc/WbswJiFUm7I/AAAAAAAAIwA/zwCpeWVKBoYsP6GzbcYibaUtFxFqWkUmgCLcBGAs/s1600/abandoned%2Bduckling1%2B0717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPCzPMHKKdc/WbswJiFUm7I/AAAAAAAAIwA/zwCpeWVKBoYsP6GzbcYibaUtFxFqWkUmgCLcBGAs/s320/abandoned%2Bduckling1%2B0717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then, he began to follow any adult duck he could find, even the males. I had a feeling that he was part of the mom with four above, so I used his following the other ducks to an advantage. I pretended I was throwing food out to get all the ducks to follow me towards the other mother duck (who was actually coming up from the other end of the beach area). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpgwH3EYQ1c/WbstkOwAZvI/AAAAAAAAIvY/a68AZvuHADsIqNGTvvQDJOPAT2AiA-kowCLcBGAs/s1600/abandoned%2Bduckling%2B0717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="800" height="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpgwH3EYQ1c/WbstkOwAZvI/AAAAAAAAIvY/a68AZvuHADsIqNGTvvQDJOPAT2AiA-kowCLcBGAs/s320/abandoned%2Bduckling%2B0717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The mother duck went up tot he duckling, who wasn't sure about her at first, and he seemed to brace for an attack. However, she began clucking at him and he blended in with the other ducklings. He seemed just fine when I left as seen in this photo. Unfortunately, the next day, I only saw four ducklings in that brood, again, but I think he was still with her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PAVHYD65dI/WbstqW7kDBI/AAAAAAAAIvg/7RVky4lGtx8XB79fMgblQ83krVzG0MGfQCLcBGAs/s1600/mom%2Bwith%2Badopted%2Bduckling%2B0717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="800" height="217" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PAVHYD65dI/WbstqW7kDBI/AAAAAAAAIvg/7RVky4lGtx8XB79fMgblQ83krVzG0MGfQCLcBGAs/s320/mom%2Bwith%2Badopted%2Bduckling%2B0717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, none of those ducklings survived. Here is the mom with her last one, whom, I am almost certain, is the one that was released. At least he lived his short life with a loving wild duck family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GW_w0f1_rzY/WbstxGCFzWI/AAAAAAAAIvo/SOx2Fm-VrP8QK6RwKjRFbmgpa3vEAQU3gCLcBGAs/s1600/miss%2Buna%2Bsteals%2Ba%2Bduckling%2B0721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="800" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GW_w0f1_rzY/WbstxGCFzWI/AAAAAAAAIvo/SOx2Fm-VrP8QK6RwKjRFbmgpa3vEAQU3gCLcBGAs/s320/miss%2Buna%2Bsteals%2Ba%2Bduckling%2B0721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There was one other duckling hatched in early July. He, too, was one of four who were doing very well until they started disappearing. This is his last photo taken in late July when he was almost a month old. Someone told me they saw a mama duck with a young duckling in an area that is difficult to get to, but I never saw him again and I thought I saw his mama alone. I am hoping that she just took him elsewhere.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrA6nAcS2pQ/Wbst0cwZdVI/AAAAAAAAIvs/xtVqX4ZqbegOdsSxMHJ4F19d47Juq-IlwCLcBGAs/s1600/little%2Bduckling%2B0727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="800" height="234" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrA6nAcS2pQ/Wbst0cwZdVI/AAAAAAAAIvs/xtVqX4ZqbegOdsSxMHJ4F19d47Juq-IlwCLcBGAs/s320/little%2Bduckling%2B0727.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As of the end of July, there were no young ducklings left, however there were a few older ones around that may have been either ones that were raised in other parts of the lake, or Project Wildlife releases.</div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-7864701473417034942017-07-07T19:15:00.000-07:002017-08-18T19:57:25.060-07:00Duckling News and Bad News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, I have some very bad news about some of the Lake Murray favorites. The bad news is that the coyotes have been extremely active in the area around the fishing pier and have killed several domestic birds and perhaps a wild one or hybrid. But, before I give you more details about that, I would like to say that this has been a very good duckling season. So I will give you the duckling news first, then the bad news about who is gone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First, I put together a slideshow. Below the slideshow, I will give you an update on some of the individuals in the video. Here is the slideshow:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nrb2RBUbQBo" width="400"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This photo was taken today. Two moms had a single duckling in the area. However, I think the mama to this little one has disappeared. This female is the mother of the other duckling who has also disappeared. She is trying to adopt the one without a mom, but he is making it difficult to her. His future does not look good unless he lets her get close to him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuAPX8XJHg8/WWA3t7XIIQI/AAAAAAAAIs8/JNWmfuSsIIMinRd2byG_U_t1kxPPGe8bACLcBGAs/s1600/orphan%2Bduckling%2B0707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="800" height="227" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuAPX8XJHg8/WWA3t7XIIQI/AAAAAAAAIs8/JNWmfuSsIIMinRd2byG_U_t1kxPPGe8bACLcBGAs/s320/orphan%2Bduckling%2B0707.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These are the two ducklings which used to go across the lake in deep water at least two or three times a day. They are nearly independent and their mama can't keep up with them. They've wandered off on their own many times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIrz7EeUDWI/WWA3yaVFeRI/AAAAAAAAItA/bp_5hp-izMkXBuHKZtw-PE_b2ssaf3PjgCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Btwo%2B0625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="800" height="251" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIrz7EeUDWI/WWA3yaVFeRI/AAAAAAAAItA/bp_5hp-izMkXBuHKZtw-PE_b2ssaf3PjgCLcBGAs/s320/the%2Btwo%2B0625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is "Little Guy." His mama was raising him near the parking lot. However, this particular mama duck loves to take her ducklings to an inaccessible area around the time they are a month old. Little Guy is about two weeks old here. Last I saw him, he was about 4-5 weeks old and getting very big and feathering fast. I wouldn't be surprised if he was one of the many young ducks whom I've seen hanging out together lately. I don't think I could recognize him now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FKhsKw7hVU/WWA31abn_5I/AAAAAAAAItE/bUUhKiMiKSIaU6C8SEKNZGb4gS19ECY7wCLcBGAs/s1600/i%2Bhear%2Ba%2Bscary%2Bbag%2B0602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="800" height="252" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FKhsKw7hVU/WWA31abn_5I/AAAAAAAAItE/bUUhKiMiKSIaU6C8SEKNZGb4gS19ECY7wCLcBGAs/s320/i%2Bhear%2Ba%2Bscary%2Bbag%2B0602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is Leuci, a Leucistic mallard. She's at least seven or eight years old. This is her with her last duckling out of a brood of about six ducklings. This little guy lived a few days longer than this photo, but didn't make it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I90Q0UBUX_E/WWA34rxzpWI/AAAAAAAAItI/2s9ss4rBJMYTCCfTzmOEexa_dYdd4mTgwCLcBGAs/s1600/Leuci%2Band%2Bher%2Blast%2Bduckling%2B0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="800" height="234" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I90Q0UBUX_E/WWA34rxzpWI/AAAAAAAAItI/2s9ss4rBJMYTCCfTzmOEexa_dYdd4mTgwCLcBGAs/s320/Leuci%2Band%2Bher%2Blast%2Bduckling%2B0612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These two ducklings and the one in the photo below this one have a strange story. The two mamas look almost exactly alike. At one time, all three of the ducklings were together. There were two older ducklings and an adopted younger duckling. Then, when the bigger ducklings turned about two weeks old, the family split in two. One older one and a much younger one went with one mom and another older one went with the other mom. When the two moms get together, the three ducklings mix and match and are fine. However, the mom with two does not accept the other one, so when the families depart, the one duckling goes with one mom and the others go with the other mom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZf-IHes4Ts/WWA4IqKts4I/AAAAAAAAItM/1kKPt-3GdoYWh92SxqR9kj88FXlGpQcUwCLcBGAs/s1600/big%2Band%2Blittle%2Bone%2B0630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="800" height="211" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZf-IHes4Ts/WWA4IqKts4I/AAAAAAAAItM/1kKPt-3GdoYWh92SxqR9kj88FXlGpQcUwCLcBGAs/s320/big%2Band%2Blittle%2Bone%2B0630.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSUZFddP6vw/WWA4ShU6UMI/AAAAAAAAItQ/F5WuO15Gp7sHSsfEBgs25n17lkQ8RjVaQCLcBGAs/s1600/mom%2Bwith%2Bthree%2Bnow%2Bonly%2Bone%2B0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="800" height="215" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSUZFddP6vw/WWA4ShU6UMI/AAAAAAAAItQ/F5WuO15Gp7sHSsfEBgs25n17lkQ8RjVaQCLcBGAs/s320/mom%2Bwith%2Bthree%2Bnow%2Bonly%2Bone%2B0612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a new duck someone dumped at the lake. She has a hybrid mallard boyfriend already and is very shy. She goes way off to the far end of the lake and back to the docks everyday. I'm really surprised she's still alive because she is bright as day and I'm sure the coyotes see her at night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5jK-V3_dUU/WWA4jEYZntI/AAAAAAAAItY/-UJcLjcOYtg_4nY8tCf0bbQxfJcYbhDegCLcBGAs/s1600/new%2Bfemale%2Bduck%2B0610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="800" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5jK-V3_dUU/WWA4jEYZntI/AAAAAAAAItY/-UJcLjcOYtg_4nY8tCf0bbQxfJcYbhDegCLcBGAs/s320/new%2Bfemale%2Bduck%2B0610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
OK, now for the bad news.<br />
<br />
Remember the two new ducks I mentioned in my last post? Well, I don't even think it was a week after they arrived that the Pekin disappeared. The brown khaki duck went off with Blue for a while, then started hanging around Runner Duck and his buff friend. She was fine for about a month, then she, too, disappeared. I'm really hoping that their owners had a change of heart and came back to get them. I haven't seen any evidence of them being eaten, but I don't always see that when it happens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7kYN03Jago/WWA4eQvnfCI/AAAAAAAAItU/Ot9X9BtYhzYq-121eZy4Kgddr8-MI1VngCLcBGAs/s1600/two%2Bnew%2Bducks%2B0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7kYN03Jago/WWA4eQvnfCI/AAAAAAAAItU/Ot9X9BtYhzYq-121eZy4Kgddr8-MI1VngCLcBGAs/s320/two%2Bnew%2Bducks%2B0530.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Miss Grey reappeared and I was really happy. She was fine for at least a week or two, then disappeared again. Today, I found a large pile of feathers that looked exactly like hers. Since she has disappeared for long periods before, I'm hoping that the feathers were not from her and she will show up again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZY6f31T80E/WWA4kuArQ7I/AAAAAAAAItc/O-kk4-K1ONYo7X89iQNhtxLV5UXhQBfEQCLcBGAs/s1600/Miss%2Bgray%2B0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZY6f31T80E/WWA4kuArQ7I/AAAAAAAAItc/O-kk4-K1ONYo7X89iQNhtxLV5UXhQBfEQCLcBGAs/s320/Miss%2Bgray%2B0612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Eight-year-old Snowie may have also been a victim of the coyotes, too. I saw some speculum feathers and some body and wing feathers that look a lot like her special feather patterns. Plus, her mate, Snowy has been acting very strange and her son seems traumatized. I did not find her on her nest.<br />
<br />
<i>Warning, grizzly details in this paragraph: </i>However, someone said they found a head of a "regular mallard" near where I found the feathers, so it might not be hers. They said it was sliced clean off, which makes me wonder if humans are involved, though I have heard that can also happen naturally. <br />
<br />
As you can see from this photo, her head doesn't look like a "regular mallard."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKtk3o54cXw/WWA44YuXvKI/AAAAAAAAItg/ss9GfF_ou6Efo2hoZs9dnAMWIMWgfe6EQCLcBGAs/s1600/snowy%2Bbabies%2B0507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="550" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKtk3o54cXw/WWA44YuXvKI/AAAAAAAAItg/ss9GfF_ou6Efo2hoZs9dnAMWIMWgfe6EQCLcBGAs/s320/snowy%2Bbabies%2B0507.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Another duck that's missing is the one that nesting near Peaches a few years ago. She was a Project Wildlife duck from a few years ago and hung out in that area. Today I found four duck eggs with holes in them. I suspect that they belonged to the owner of the feathers. Snowie had two eggs in her nest which were abandoned and disappeared a long time ago and these new eggs were still fresh.<br />
<br />
Also, I am worried about this white goose. He hangs out with the grey goose and they have been at the lake a very long time. I only saw the grey goose today. This is extremely unusual as they are always together. They're both males, so no one is nesting with this pair. Here's a picture of them in 2012.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzRKzTmUtPc/WWA5CtludOI/AAAAAAAAItk/Nblmi_SaKJ0CLHkkFSwIU4GGXTYLTdGMwCLcBGAs/s1600/baba%2Band%2Bmate%2B0214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="800" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzRKzTmUtPc/WWA5CtludOI/AAAAAAAAItk/Nblmi_SaKJ0CLHkkFSwIU4GGXTYLTdGMwCLcBGAs/s320/baba%2Band%2Bmate%2B0214.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Miss Angel has also not been seen for over two weeks, but was not healthy the last time I saw her. Her mates, Little Guy and Big Guy, have also not been seen which makes me think she is hiding somewhere with them.</div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-65429731901614343012017-05-30T19:37:00.000-07:002017-05-30T19:37:34.659-07:00Baby Season 2017Duckling season seems to be peaking now. What's been nice is that a lot of the ducklings are surviving a lot longer than they used to. The blue herons have all fledged from their nests and I haven't seen the black-crowned herons all season. The gulls are behaving themselves so far, but I think they may be afraid of being injured by the mama ducks. One of the gulls was so injured, possibly by a mama duck, that it could no longer fly.<br />
<br />
I compiled a lot of the photos and videos of the ducklings for this month since the time I last posted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oA8dBVbTieE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oA8dBVbTieE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
We have a new set of four goslings at Lake Murray. I think we are not really going to get anymore goslings as it's becoming late in the season.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSFSIINcUFk/WS4obVLBsBI/AAAAAAAAIrY/Wyjr4oDRt8sw_Y1ghaMOioUMwqeFysEqQCLcB/s1600/new%2Bgoslings%2B0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="241" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSFSIINcUFk/WS4obVLBsBI/AAAAAAAAIrY/Wyjr4oDRt8sw_Y1ghaMOioUMwqeFysEqQCLcB/s320/new%2Bgoslings%2B0521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9f_wmefOzA/WS4oex17lBI/AAAAAAAAIrc/YM6y1hWUXSYyHisqh0bSxqa_jaKaaIMLgCLcB/s1600/four%2Bgoslings%2B0528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="800" height="228" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9f_wmefOzA/WS4oex17lBI/AAAAAAAAIrc/YM6y1hWUXSYyHisqh0bSxqa_jaKaaIMLgCLcB/s320/four%2Bgoslings%2B0528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk2hWNfD3D8/WS4ogiT8L9I/AAAAAAAAIrk/slfoN526KdohBsohkNPjyRjnfck1ygcZQCLcB/s1600/2%2Bnew%2Bgoslings%2B0528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="800" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk2hWNfD3D8/WS4ogiT8L9I/AAAAAAAAIrk/slfoN526KdohBsohkNPjyRjnfck1ygcZQCLcB/s320/2%2Bnew%2Bgoslings%2B0528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Miss Butterscotch's ducklings are all grown up and almost ready to fly. Butterscotch is getting her groove back with her male duck friends. Her ducklings are the older ones in the video.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a couple more duckling photos I just took today:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDMXLjqyNqE/WS4o2DTwqZI/AAAAAAAAIro/PUZpEyqPMBUB4CMNJwv552-TkvTqlYwogCLcB/s1600/two%2Bducklings%2B0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="800" height="235" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDMXLjqyNqE/WS4o2DTwqZI/AAAAAAAAIro/PUZpEyqPMBUB4CMNJwv552-TkvTqlYwogCLcB/s320/two%2Bducklings%2B0530.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Two</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The single duckling below is being watched closely by the duckling-eating gull. But the mama duck is very experienced and successful, so I don't think she would let him get eaten without a fight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5GCZO3GWYic/WS4o4B8rEYI/AAAAAAAAIrs/9yzKMyyUfuIV0Prr7zykae1TAdA_ujkPwCLcB/s1600/new%2Bone%2Bduckling%2B0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5GCZO3GWYic/WS4o4B8rEYI/AAAAAAAAIrs/9yzKMyyUfuIV0Prr7zykae1TAdA_ujkPwCLcB/s320/new%2Bone%2Bduckling%2B0530.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Single Duckling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b>Dumped Ducks:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
It's that time of year again where people dump their Easter ducklings to get eaten by coyotes at the lake. These three nearly died of dehydration until someone threw them into the lake. They're still having a hard time getting adjusted to living at the lake, but at least they're not thirsty anymore. I have a feeling they were kept in a cage or in a home and have no clue what to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZL4l0IT_vW8/WS4pi8XlR6I/AAAAAAAAIr0/vij7Ybqj-yANDubT481Rh_07RNf6QzFUwCLcB/s1600/new%2Bdumped%2Bducks%2B0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZL4l0IT_vW8/WS4pi8XlR6I/AAAAAAAAIr0/vij7Ybqj-yANDubT481Rh_07RNf6QzFUwCLcB/s320/new%2Bdumped%2Bducks%2B0521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These two were dropped off yesterday and seem to have a handle on things. Runner Duck wants to rape the female, though, but he hasn't figured out how to get past the big male Pekin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dxczGBNQhQ/WS4py1iueeI/AAAAAAAAIr4/8d7MwbW1Z38AiohAjyz_Zcep9HiO5_PQQCLcB/s1600/two%2Bnew%2Bducks%2B0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dxczGBNQhQ/WS4py1iueeI/AAAAAAAAIr4/8d7MwbW1Z38AiohAjyz_Zcep9HiO5_PQQCLcB/s320/two%2Bnew%2Bducks%2B0530.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>RIP:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The coyotes have been very active and we've lost several ducks in the last few weeks:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The droopy-winged brown and white female had been missing for a week and a half before I found her body, so she may have been already dead when the coyotes found her. The gray one was doing well and getting grayer, but I didn't see her as well today. But, she may be OK.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0qbCbMRhmA/WS4rOxZw66I/AAAAAAAAIsE/YDdldJBW7XUVzOz1r702m1Fz-4oglJcgQCLcB/s1600/new%2Bfemales%2B0121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="800" height="230" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0qbCbMRhmA/WS4rOxZw66I/AAAAAAAAIsE/YDdldJBW7XUVzOz1r702m1Fz-4oglJcgQCLcB/s320/new%2Bfemales%2B0121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The female Chinese swan goose, dropped off almost two years ago, was killed shortly after the droopy-winged duck. Her mate is now spending time trying to stay close to some of the older geese. I think he's pretty scared. Her egg was still in her nest when I saw the feather pile.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vjn8Uv7nCbY/WS4r8Os-jOI/AAAAAAAAIsM/1gEKW61mxA8QX4q5ms2jHESwXJSOE1tawCLcB/s1600/dumped%2Bgoose%2B0916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vjn8Uv7nCbY/WS4r8Os-jOI/AAAAAAAAIsM/1gEKW61mxA8QX4q5ms2jHESwXJSOE1tawCLcB/s320/dumped%2Bgoose%2B0916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-90224097785134799032017-04-30T18:57:00.001-07:002017-04-30T19:03:49.405-07:00Ah, Spring is for Ducklings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Though I haven't been at Lake Murray the last few days, when I last saw them, these three ducklings were still plugging along. Each day their mama was taking them on longer and longer distances, even going beyond the fence line. They were constantly moving. On the last day I saw them, I believe she had taken them out of the area. This was her same pattern the last two years. If you haven't seen them, it's possible they are no longer visiting the parking lot area regularly. You may go a while without seeing them and depending on the time of day you visit, you may not see them again until they're fully feathered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFMokrj3RdE/WQaQ_nCSsII/AAAAAAAAIpI/d74Vz1qVEuYA8s3XmSthmz46FcI7dB-rQCLcB/s1600/first%2Bducklings%2B0421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFMokrj3RdE/WQaQ_nCSsII/AAAAAAAAIpI/d74Vz1qVEuYA8s3XmSthmz46FcI7dB-rQCLcB/s320/first%2Bducklings%2B0421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RE3t-mOx0go/WQaQ6R9jddI/AAAAAAAAIpA/ULsNQ87ctHk0kkHZ5w1ZeSvYwbcGWCn_QCLcB/s1600/three%2Bducklings%2B0425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RE3t-mOx0go/WQaQ6R9jddI/AAAAAAAAIpA/ULsNQ87ctHk0kkHZ5w1ZeSvYwbcGWCn_QCLcB/s320/three%2Bducklings%2B0425.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZPHfiOtOl8/WQaQ5nKbO7I/AAAAAAAAIo8/R-pmpNzmTOkFqVkjPhZ0QExjS8V5Qm9_wCLcB/s1600/first%2Bducklings%2Btwo%2Bweeks%2Bold%2Bmark%2B0424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZPHfiOtOl8/WQaQ5nKbO7I/AAAAAAAAIo8/R-pmpNzmTOkFqVkjPhZ0QExjS8V5Qm9_wCLcB/s320/first%2Bducklings%2Btwo%2Bweeks%2Bold%2Bmark%2B0424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zisvhFmJBR0/WQaQ2Iuq-TI/AAAAAAAAIow/22rkjuRmSu8wCOCQLH1JEiu536q3F237gCLcB/s1600/duckling%2B0426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zisvhFmJBR0/WQaQ2Iuq-TI/AAAAAAAAIow/22rkjuRmSu8wCOCQLH1JEiu536q3F237gCLcB/s320/duckling%2B0426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsQVK5yDoDE/WQaQ3P7O4WI/AAAAAAAAIo0/xnb7yLC3Xw4z39nCfi-a7Op7zGYzJ9srgCLcB/s1600/mom%2Band%2B1%2Bduckling%2B0426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsQVK5yDoDE/WQaQ3P7O4WI/AAAAAAAAIo0/xnb7yLC3Xw4z39nCfi-a7Op7zGYzJ9srgCLcB/s320/mom%2Band%2B1%2Bduckling%2B0426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dD475wzLRz4/WQaQ4Mfg9OI/AAAAAAAAIo4/jRAQNoJ9KpUef8QHer_2aOw38viwAcXYwCLcB/s1600/2%2Bducklings%2B0426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dD475wzLRz4/WQaQ4Mfg9OI/AAAAAAAAIo4/jRAQNoJ9KpUef8QHer_2aOw38viwAcXYwCLcB/s320/2%2Bducklings%2B0426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Miss Una has done what was expected and moved her ducklings down to the other end of the lake. She managed to keep two of them so far. Last time I saw her, she was being hassled by the drakes. I only could truly see one duckling, but I think I saw the other one duck in the reeds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVuxISDG9tA/WQaQ9rtNFyI/AAAAAAAAIpE/cwhGwWOebegGeH6kk3p4LHZ47L8N766VwCLcB/s1600/miss%2Buna%2B0421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVuxISDG9tA/WQaQ9rtNFyI/AAAAAAAAIpE/cwhGwWOebegGeH6kk3p4LHZ47L8N766VwCLcB/s320/miss%2Buna%2B0421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Miss Una's mother was last seen with three ducklings. The next day, I saw two all by themselves without their mother. However, as I was watching them, they completely disappeared. There were no predators in the area. I saw a woman bending down at the water's edge, but I think the ducklings were not nearby, and even if they were, they would not be easy to catch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWO0wtJ9Bvg/WQaRIKmSrhI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/hkVHgoTTAV8eGNs3PrOwwf17DG-jmmvkQCLcB/s1600/miss%2Bunas%2Bducklings%2B0420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWO0wtJ9Bvg/WQaRIKmSrhI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/hkVHgoTTAV8eGNs3PrOwwf17DG-jmmvkQCLcB/s320/miss%2Bunas%2Bducklings%2B0420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7JBqfJF9Mo/WQaRL5AbfoI/AAAAAAAAIpU/w3G22aYyRxQmG6wDb2YoUyC0x8NlfAaTgCLcB/s1600/miss%2Bunas%2Bmother%2B0420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7JBqfJF9Mo/WQaRL5AbfoI/AAAAAAAAIpU/w3G22aYyRxQmG6wDb2YoUyC0x8NlfAaTgCLcB/s320/miss%2Bunas%2Bmother%2B0420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sadly, after my last post with the gosling photos, Squeaker's little baby disappeared.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Other birds are still hanging around and should be migrating soon. This is an eared grebe in breeding plumage.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8yPchE7g-PM/WQaRYWMy2hI/AAAAAAAAIpY/HGvYP5ipotI-zR-cR5tChgNzA8U6hyVxgCLcB/s1600/eared%2Bgrebe2%2B0421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8yPchE7g-PM/WQaRYWMy2hI/AAAAAAAAIpY/HGvYP5ipotI-zR-cR5tChgNzA8U6hyVxgCLcB/s320/eared%2Bgrebe2%2B0421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Least sandpipers visiting:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCTeSqASK8o/WQaRaaGGgvI/AAAAAAAAIpc/QmByoefGfrogqzq2lZR4XIPC9qR3Q_DhgCLcB/s1600/least%2Bsandpipers%2B0421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCTeSqASK8o/WQaRaaGGgvI/AAAAAAAAIpc/QmByoefGfrogqzq2lZR4XIPC9qR3Q_DhgCLcB/s320/least%2Bsandpipers%2B0421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There is a female spotted sandpiper being rather co-operative. A male is hanging out nearby and they may be bonded mates or a new mate for her to travel back to the breeding areas with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QebQbpLbLQ/WQaRbbWZDOI/AAAAAAAAIpg/JoOq_wvVFZMJZajQgzZ3MO3a9gj7whlOQCLcB/s1600/spotted%2Bsandpiper%2B0426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QebQbpLbLQ/WQaRbbWZDOI/AAAAAAAAIpg/JoOq_wvVFZMJZajQgzZ3MO3a9gj7whlOQCLcB/s320/spotted%2Bsandpiper%2B0426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Duck Rescue:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last Sunday, I came across these two Cayuga ducks hiding in the brush near the front entrance. They were dehydrated and very hungry. The female was in distress as well. I was going to introduce them to the water, but decided that, since there was a female and they tend to die real fast here, I would catch both and take them with me to see if I could find a home for them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbW3KqSj6vw/WQaR2nn4y4I/AAAAAAAAIpk/xV6JDiWIeDg0-4RW3frB63fvyJ9whmU8gCLcB/s1600/cayugas%2B0423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbW3KqSj6vw/WQaR2nn4y4I/AAAAAAAAIpk/xV6JDiWIeDg0-4RW3frB63fvyJ9whmU8gCLcB/s320/cayugas%2B0423.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The male is extremely gorgeous with a LOT of green. This photo does no justice to his gorgeous colors. He was quite the gentleman to his girlfriend and his personality was mellow as is common for the breed. The female duck was a diva and made lots of demands with me. She would scream unless you made her happy. Then, she would be very quiet. Because I live in an apartment with a strict no pets policy, and I have allergies, I couldn't keep them. So, I took them to the animal shelter. After a five-day hold (for health and to give the owner a chance to come get them), they were put up for adoption. They were adopted within hours of being listed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
They left me an egg as a present.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JoaNlDSYfoE/WQaR4BbRMyI/AAAAAAAAIps/VavUQ9CNCfw5pJiSBjRGZBFLc-VY_cedACLcB/s1600/egg%2B0423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JoaNlDSYfoE/WQaR4BbRMyI/AAAAAAAAIps/VavUQ9CNCfw5pJiSBjRGZBFLc-VY_cedACLcB/s320/egg%2B0423.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-3094733189353630312017-04-20T19:01:00.000-07:002017-04-20T19:01:30.731-07:00More and More Ducklings at Lake MurrayRight now, there are so many ducklings being hatched that they are pretty much everywhere.<br />
<br />
The seven from last week were down to three yesterday. These had made it to ten days old, which is rare in this spot. I doubt I will see them again after these photos because of too many predators. However, it's nice to get some photos of them at this age as it's been a long time since I've been able to do so. They were eating bread from the ground in some of the photos. I didn't feed them that, though, so don't tell me how bad bread is for them as I already know.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5VYzi9AMOY/WPlk39VNEXI/AAAAAAAAImU/lmV8R3HzDHsr31zI2a4c3XJWtm8Yb5_yQCLcB/s1600/first%2Bducklings%2B0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5VYzi9AMOY/WPlk39VNEXI/AAAAAAAAImU/lmV8R3HzDHsr31zI2a4c3XJWtm8Yb5_yQCLcB/s320/first%2Bducklings%2B0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-sFNLb-uCA/WPlk45a_N-I/AAAAAAAAImY/RX7i3MSd1yg6A8ffZK0f9OIpych3bJtQwCLcB/s1600/first%2Bducklings%2B04191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-sFNLb-uCA/WPlk45a_N-I/AAAAAAAAImY/RX7i3MSd1yg6A8ffZK0f9OIpych3bJtQwCLcB/s320/first%2Bducklings%2B04191.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWSp8PgtsAc/WPlk6XvLm_I/AAAAAAAAImc/xglE_6mXb2c4ODxgi2V0bxrxO5MaZKx0QCLcB/s1600/first%2Bducklings%2B04192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWSp8PgtsAc/WPlk6XvLm_I/AAAAAAAAImc/xglE_6mXb2c4ODxgi2V0bxrxO5MaZKx0QCLcB/s320/first%2Bducklings%2B04192.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XK1EVvM3Kto/WPlk72ylbJI/AAAAAAAAImg/JDNe_hv3rWg2yaPqvtnJ60R5a5oAQUgeQCLcB/s1600/first%2Bducklins%2B0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XK1EVvM3Kto/WPlk72ylbJI/AAAAAAAAImg/JDNe_hv3rWg2yaPqvtnJ60R5a5oAQUgeQCLcB/s320/first%2Bducklins%2B0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lovely Miss Una was seen with ducklings about the same time. I saw her twice and she had four ducklings when I last saw her. Then, she disappeared. This was her pattern last year when she kept the ducklings in one place until their numbers started going down and then took them somewhere else where they can stay hidden, so they may still be around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9TrCe4ZM0Q/WPllTbt2UJI/AAAAAAAAImk/sUJMCEhqVOQ9f6vGbEvbHSlZKSjucu7RgCLcB/s1600/miss%2Buna%2B0415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9TrCe4ZM0Q/WPllTbt2UJI/AAAAAAAAImk/sUJMCEhqVOQ9f6vGbEvbHSlZKSjucu7RgCLcB/s320/miss%2Buna%2B0415.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99Hc3aSuPC0/WPllUTYzShI/AAAAAAAAImo/_xpBD5pdfF4lJYHV1tKnrLgv8ZtbQ5ztgCLcB/s1600/miss%2Buna%2B04151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99Hc3aSuPC0/WPllUTYzShI/AAAAAAAAImo/_xpBD5pdfF4lJYHV1tKnrLgv8ZtbQ5ztgCLcB/s320/miss%2Buna%2B04151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeE_Toe6YSs/WPllVlZFuwI/AAAAAAAAIms/UwCFVP9VPMUiU-tk4RefaZ3SKBS-qK3ewCLcB/s1600/miss%2Bunas%2Bducklings%2B0420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeE_Toe6YSs/WPllVlZFuwI/AAAAAAAAIms/UwCFVP9VPMUiU-tk4RefaZ3SKBS-qK3ewCLcB/s320/miss%2Bunas%2Bducklings%2B0420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I saw this gull near the ducklings. It looks like he had the stuffing beat out of him. His wing might be broken. I don't know if Miss Una or one of the geese beat him up. I watched him for a few days and he's not doing good. I don't think he's going to make it. I can't catch him because he swims away. I hate seeing gulls get this old only to die shortly afterwards. It's very hard for a gull to reach breeding age.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dj16fDQANoc/WPllZV_7JWI/AAAAAAAAImw/AG6IJg_lNl8K2fa1DtrdZfvZsV8U2bkygCLcB/s1600/hurt%2Bgull%2B0415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dj16fDQANoc/WPllZV_7JWI/AAAAAAAAImw/AG6IJg_lNl8K2fa1DtrdZfvZsV8U2bkygCLcB/s320/hurt%2Bgull%2B0415.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think Miss Una's Mother had these ducklings, yesterday. There were tons of gulls around, so I don't know how they fared. Miss Una's Mother is a very competent mother, so I hope all is good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo_2VXFfgx4/WPll_Nrd26I/AAAAAAAAIm4/etXbVpj157sRq6zSrTYlIJZmgNmB9nPYwCLcB/s1600/miss%2Bunas%2Bmother%2Bduckling%2B0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo_2VXFfgx4/WPll_Nrd26I/AAAAAAAAIm4/etXbVpj157sRq6zSrTYlIJZmgNmB9nPYwCLcB/s320/miss%2Bunas%2Bmother%2Bduckling%2B0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Md83qVNKbOY/WPlmAbuhHFI/AAAAAAAAIm8/8cDiQEkKC_simc8FGr8Z6wUvVjftW5o7ACLcB/s1600/miss%2Bunas%2Bmother%2B0420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Md83qVNKbOY/WPlmAbuhHFI/AAAAAAAAIm8/8cDiQEkKC_simc8FGr8Z6wUvVjftW5o7ACLcB/s320/miss%2Bunas%2Bmother%2B0420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTJcqsjI154/WPlmDC1q4-I/AAAAAAAAInA/IMqbdKyoFxEYw72jAkj8_324pROTI-vagCLcB/s1600/miss%2Bunas%2Bmothers%2Bducklings%2B0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTJcqsjI154/WPlmDC1q4-I/AAAAAAAAInA/IMqbdKyoFxEYw72jAkj8_324pROTI-vagCLcB/s320/miss%2Bunas%2Bmothers%2Bducklings%2B0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Lots of babies in the canals. I'm not sure who this mama duck is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCR7hz4-nH0/WPlmMynoYrI/AAAAAAAAInE/6OGSGPF44CU07VbfwsTj5bz9bgJrtdK8ACLcB/s1600/babies%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bcanal%2B0416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCR7hz4-nH0/WPlmMynoYrI/AAAAAAAAInE/6OGSGPF44CU07VbfwsTj5bz9bgJrtdK8ACLcB/s320/babies%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bcanal%2B0416.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This female, also in the canal, looks a lot like "Mama's Little Weakling" from a few years ago. She was raised in the canal, so it makes sense that her ducklings are being raised there as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhnz5tIjT1Y/WPlma0fxhxI/AAAAAAAAInI/T8crBhTQQW0P0LS6EDNOayWLKcMrEZjvACLcB/s1600/mamas%2Blittle%2Bweakling%2Bducklings%2B0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhnz5tIjT1Y/WPlma0fxhxI/AAAAAAAAInI/T8crBhTQQW0P0LS6EDNOayWLKcMrEZjvACLcB/s320/mamas%2Blittle%2Bweakling%2Bducklings%2B0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, of course, Mr. and Mrs. Squeaker and their one adorable baby:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QehhYTtctMw/WPlmn2hgXZI/AAAAAAAAInM/dZO5rGC6xq44Qcl6T-J4isPPOCX0VAQ6ACLcB/s1600/squeaker%2Band%2Bbaby%2B0416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QehhYTtctMw/WPlmn2hgXZI/AAAAAAAAInM/dZO5rGC6xq44Qcl6T-J4isPPOCX0VAQ6ACLcB/s320/squeaker%2Band%2Bbaby%2B0416.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw9APr6uu_c/WPlmozluUSI/AAAAAAAAInQ/fp4Cb6yBgPsRK_PdRBEwZd_4_iPz-gwhQCLcB/s1600/mrs%2Bsqueaker%2Band%2Bbaby%2B0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw9APr6uu_c/WPlmozluUSI/AAAAAAAAInQ/fp4Cb6yBgPsRK_PdRBEwZd_4_iPz-gwhQCLcB/s320/mrs%2Bsqueaker%2Band%2Bbaby%2B0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQhj0BmcuHo/WPlmpy6rptI/AAAAAAAAInU/InRMIszMaToPnQ6tZxfQ-4QKsu1aeB6lgCLcB/s1600/baby%2B0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQhj0BmcuHo/WPlmpy6rptI/AAAAAAAAInU/InRMIszMaToPnQ6tZxfQ-4QKsu1aeB6lgCLcB/s320/baby%2B0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Still no signs of any other goslings, yet. I suspect there's at least three other nests going on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Grumpy (or Larry) update:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't remember if I've mentioned it in my other posts, but the parking lot goose which I called Grumpy (also known as "Larry" by one other person) was taken to Project Wildlife to be rehabilitated and, perhaps, released somewhere where she won't get into trouble. She was the one who liked to stare at her reflection in the cars in the parking lot. She was causing a lot of problem as she had started to go out to street and local businesses, so she could have caused an accident or got hurt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaXEG_Bcpfk/WPlndg2rmgI/AAAAAAAAInc/RqGFnFJ2-QQG7Zsfg2OLF3htQZtDYNYDQCLcB/s1600/grumpy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaXEG_Bcpfk/WPlndg2rmgI/AAAAAAAAInc/RqGFnFJ2-QQG7Zsfg2OLF3htQZtDYNYDQCLcB/s320/grumpy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-28344601961220716212017-04-11T10:58:00.000-07:002017-04-11T10:58:33.750-07:00A New Contender for First DucklingI went back to Lake Murray today and found this cute little guy who may actually be older than the ducklings I saw yesterday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSJkeGAwYqs/WO0YOYdwsMI/AAAAAAAAIkk/XYhfTr2hsNUOJHte5cvtUmZThfN7tBJHQCLcB/s1600/new%2Bfirst%2Bducikling%2B0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSJkeGAwYqs/WO0YOYdwsMI/AAAAAAAAIkk/XYhfTr2hsNUOJHte5cvtUmZThfN7tBJHQCLcB/s320/new%2Bfirst%2Bducikling%2B0411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I suspect all his siblings were eaten by predators. He's the only one I saw for that one particular female.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the meantime, these seven guys have made it through their first day out. Many of the predators don't begin to pick them off until they're at least three or four days old.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kT6JPkKUNK8/WO0YfZM5PQI/AAAAAAAAIko/im_0XG7R9LQwcHTXc7hFQwQkhe5QrLhuwCLcB/s1600/7%2Bfrom%2Byesterday%2B0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kT6JPkKUNK8/WO0YfZM5PQI/AAAAAAAAIko/im_0XG7R9LQwcHTXc7hFQwQkhe5QrLhuwCLcB/s320/7%2Bfrom%2Byesterday%2B0411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the mom with one of these cuties:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3R6W9k1F88/WO0YgeAzKbI/AAAAAAAAIks/vBkWjUVY6rAUmv5cydLJcfD0x2Y5u_bkwCLcB/s1600/duckling%2B0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3R6W9k1F88/WO0YgeAzKbI/AAAAAAAAIks/vBkWjUVY6rAUmv5cydLJcfD0x2Y5u_bkwCLcB/s320/duckling%2B0411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Snowie had her ducklings today, but they were not out of the nest, so I couldn't really get a picture of them. They were terrified of me and hid under mama's feathers to hide.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YYbS9AQ9bk/WO0YhdAsMYI/AAAAAAAAIkw/jg3--7GY0Wg0T0qif2by0nT2pfswjC_KQCLcB/s1600/snowies%2Bducklings%2B0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YYbS9AQ9bk/WO0YhdAsMYI/AAAAAAAAIkw/jg3--7GY0Wg0T0qif2by0nT2pfswjC_KQCLcB/s320/snowies%2Bducklings%2B0411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This one has a little mask.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-OzyiiB2Ho/WO0Yibc7OsI/AAAAAAAAIk0/25eIVP5OJdMnAPqMTs8Q63iBEHCHc0pBgCLcB/s1600/snowies%2Bmasked%2Bducklings%2B0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-OzyiiB2Ho/WO0Yibc7OsI/AAAAAAAAIk0/25eIVP5OJdMnAPqMTs8Q63iBEHCHc0pBgCLcB/s320/snowies%2Bmasked%2Bducklings%2B0411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Unfortunately, that will probably be all the pictures I'm going to get of Snowie's ducklings as I can't be there for almost a week. Since she's not the best protector and she's only got two, they are unlikely to last very long. So if you want to see them, they should be out this afternoon and you can take pictures of them.<br />
<br />
No signs of goslings, yet.Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-32045656921595714172017-04-10T12:35:00.002-07:002017-04-10T12:35:26.982-07:00First Ducklings of 2017!The first ducklings I've seen for this year at Lake Murray have just arrived. There's a chance that others may have hatched earlier, but are hidden in areas away from people. So far, no signs of goslings and only a couple pairs appear to be nesting so far.<br />
<br />
I think the mother is either Butterscotch, the last of the Fish Food ducklings, or Ducky's mate (Ducky died a few months ago). There was vegetation in front of me, so that's why there's a beige streak in the middle of the photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irQP3nJSG3A/WOvdaxQYFPI/AAAAAAAAIkM/lpu-gKNqjigh5hPGkZO1DQUhQbTQh1ShQCLcB/s1600/first%2Bducklings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irQP3nJSG3A/WOvdaxQYFPI/AAAAAAAAIkM/lpu-gKNqjigh5hPGkZO1DQUhQbTQh1ShQCLcB/s320/first%2Bducklings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meanwhile, Snowy, the Appleyard duck, is still sitting on her nest. It almost looks like someone took some of her duck eggs and replaced them with chicken eggs as many of them are small. Snowy has been sitting for at least a month.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The white swan goose has also been laying eggs, but someone has been taking them and throwing them at other people or on the rocks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sissy, who has been at the lake for at least three years, has gone missing. She was healthy the last time I saw her. I'm hoping she's nesting. I thought I heard a clucking coming from the reeds and all the male ducks, especially Runner Duck, have been poking their heads in there now and then.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFR3AswqGrE/WOvdnhB0GeI/AAAAAAAAIkQ/_dvN8KunQBc44v-_MKVHZA-CLT--aiQswCLcB/s1600/Sissy%2B0117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFR3AswqGrE/WOvdnhB0GeI/AAAAAAAAIkQ/_dvN8KunQBc44v-_MKVHZA-CLT--aiQswCLcB/s320/Sissy%2B0117.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sissy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-88351860948782363792017-02-14T10:31:00.002-08:002017-02-14T10:31:36.641-08:00Famosa Slough and Killdeer LandFamosa Slough is a great place to see a variety of birds and even a few uncommon or rare birds. It's right there in the middle of Point Loma, so you don't have to drive far to see them.<br />
<br />
First, a bunch of dowitchers flying away. There's always dowitchers flying around there. I believe these are short-billed dowitchers. However, your eBird list will be flagged if you identify them as such as they're very hard to tell apart from the long-billed dowitchers in winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMQtBUEo-DQ/WKNLtfZ92II/AAAAAAAAIio/ZlWTRoBDoVwSmybdgg5ej9DoNUXgqM63wCLcB/s1600/flying%2Bdowitchers%2B0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMQtBUEo-DQ/WKNLtfZ92II/AAAAAAAAIio/ZlWTRoBDoVwSmybdgg5ej9DoNUXgqM63wCLcB/s320/flying%2Bdowitchers%2B0213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A pair of mourning doves on a branch. The dove at the top eventually walked down and stroked the back of the other dove before pecking him to move.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-awltJdXuEqs/WKNLuaedvdI/AAAAAAAAIis/sKQfTC7cneQ9rhq1oC-LoDP1GzAdCDmCwCLcB/s1600/lovey%2Bdovey%2B0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-awltJdXuEqs/WKNLuaedvdI/AAAAAAAAIis/sKQfTC7cneQ9rhq1oC-LoDP1GzAdCDmCwCLcB/s320/lovey%2Bdovey%2B0213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Stilts, avocets, willets and yellowlegs:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqZYHUX-YKI/WKNLvS7mk_I/AAAAAAAAIiw/5PcBB-ggi7gQtRvSvMaFbaXO10TIfC-vgCLcB/s1600/shorebirds%2B0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqZYHUX-YKI/WKNLvS7mk_I/AAAAAAAAIiw/5PcBB-ggi7gQtRvSvMaFbaXO10TIfC-vgCLcB/s320/shorebirds%2B0213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the stilts:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSXQvYbIPCcQxWvBfYa5eSzn_zsJn9W_ic6B1o9DVsB_tHkDPKd9QCAMCPODS_V_DemIaM29yCdF9ijV4aqELdIGAk0Wa5108WrsyT3QO2z-cT0zAkwYakuDJ6cjqwT1_Rki6uNDVFuU/s1600/stilt+0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSXQvYbIPCcQxWvBfYa5eSzn_zsJn9W_ic6B1o9DVsB_tHkDPKd9QCAMCPODS_V_DemIaM29yCdF9ijV4aqELdIGAk0Wa5108WrsyT3QO2z-cT0zAkwYakuDJ6cjqwT1_Rki6uNDVFuU/s320/stilt+0213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Blue-winged teal:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUHbb5cd4vQ/WKNL0GDI2cI/AAAAAAAAIi4/XFh2KUBetXouszALAiKHgRDEcL7x9DRlwCLcB/s1600/blue%2Bwinged%2Bteal%2B0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUHbb5cd4vQ/WKNL0GDI2cI/AAAAAAAAIi4/XFh2KUBetXouszALAiKHgRDEcL7x9DRlwCLcB/s320/blue%2Bwinged%2Bteal%2B0213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
American wigeon:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkACefLWrlFHnf-6Q700hC4rldnkkFofxqP6A48fWQytD3wHgsmUpBjvsQhZo1ZzPiGBY-lpxeOKyqQNOqVIswHlYfZ9Td5Zb2Gasg4-RuO7Ys3NmvvGQWJ_zGDwBPC7R4rl-8P-HZs94/s1600/wigeons+0702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkACefLWrlFHnf-6Q700hC4rldnkkFofxqP6A48fWQytD3wHgsmUpBjvsQhZo1ZzPiGBY-lpxeOKyqQNOqVIswHlYfZ9Td5Zb2Gasg4-RuO7Ys3NmvvGQWJ_zGDwBPC7R4rl-8P-HZs94/s320/wigeons+0702.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Famosa Slough is basically killdeer land in winter. There were probably a few hundred of them in there, watching me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxZbeqg738I/WKNL5eOjZXI/AAAAAAAAIjA/r9mjzoaFymAyx_ly8k9EkSlgY9gFecKmACLcB/s1600/famosa%2Bslough%2Bkilldeer%2B0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxZbeqg738I/WKNL5eOjZXI/AAAAAAAAIjA/r9mjzoaFymAyx_ly8k9EkSlgY9gFecKmACLcB/s320/famosa%2Bslough%2Bkilldeer%2B0213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5bVrqSODUk/WKNL7L9EUpI/AAAAAAAAIjI/nJugl0nr4bktvDIx0PTxeWVNH1vVSoVdACLcB/s1600/famosa%2Bslough%2Bkilldeer2%2B0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5bVrqSODUk/WKNL7L9EUpI/AAAAAAAAIjI/nJugl0nr4bktvDIx0PTxeWVNH1vVSoVdACLcB/s320/famosa%2Bslough%2Bkilldeer2%2B0213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-35IWZJncB2c/WKNL6jRremI/AAAAAAAAIjE/r3aa_e4mZToVW7wrGBg3KgFlLcD3OZgGwCLcB/s1600/famosa%2Bslough%2Bkilldeer1%2B0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-35IWZJncB2c/WKNL6jRremI/AAAAAAAAIjE/r3aa_e4mZToVW7wrGBg3KgFlLcD3OZgGwCLcB/s320/famosa%2Bslough%2Bkilldeer1%2B0213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-63786508158798768452017-02-12T14:20:00.001-08:002017-02-12T14:20:19.089-08:00Ducky, Ducki and a Little Bird<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
First, a rainbow from Lake Murray this morning:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvTYg8fFsD9BPiQ_uqj0YBP7XAQE-iOv5H8f_XBefXd6-VviUrl16m2YqqII66DkU6WbBeVrFWuPdtohVbps3qnIV_dCEf39fu8SAcf1AGDFRSflU5Ch8ijRA0ymG6XkDGrfw989wZ10/s1600/rainbow+on+02122017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvTYg8fFsD9BPiQ_uqj0YBP7XAQE-iOv5H8f_XBefXd6-VviUrl16m2YqqII66DkU6WbBeVrFWuPdtohVbps3qnIV_dCEf39fu8SAcf1AGDFRSflU5Ch8ijRA0ymG6XkDGrfw989wZ10/s320/rainbow+on+02122017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This first picture is of a duck named after a friend's duck as well as a TV character. His name is Ming Ming (It means "little bright one") and he has been going missing quite often. However, he was seen today after being gone for a week or two. He doesn't fly, so I knew he didn't fly away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UNNV5iZvWreL8SQiwKwL_izfoOS9RcpPr4VOVRqbQVINB03qzMdNleIDu6xJ14VWvzAHMO7m8PZsGt_EFswDoELIZh7hvTKGul1jwTkTYOTqw7OOBcCHKwXmPiAhtDFc-kTcHXtUJ4w/s1600/ming+ming+0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UNNV5iZvWreL8SQiwKwL_izfoOS9RcpPr4VOVRqbQVINB03qzMdNleIDu6xJ14VWvzAHMO7m8PZsGt_EFswDoELIZh7hvTKGul1jwTkTYOTqw7OOBcCHKwXmPiAhtDFc-kTcHXtUJ4w/s320/ming+ming+0212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We're barely into February and already Ducki is losing feathers on her neck. She only has one male who doesn't let anyone else close to her. It's really not that bad. She could also be molting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjuunLTBbpMJFHwxtGupUbqw_aZ2OjVlsLT6G-9nN3UbGP2lIHp3YsZG_x3TV5yNj1VnFbi3rrXGi5AB4zGcBl94Wi8fjbdO29e9EN7CCxrQ2PCHsmZ5zpEALcyLKfL92yK5uqOP80uA/s1600/Ducki+0209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjuunLTBbpMJFHwxtGupUbqw_aZ2OjVlsLT6G-9nN3UbGP2lIHp3YsZG_x3TV5yNj1VnFbi3rrXGi5AB4zGcBl94Wi8fjbdO29e9EN7CCxrQ2PCHsmZ5zpEALcyLKfL92yK5uqOP80uA/s320/Ducki+0209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I just wanted to show off this photo of a spotted towhee. I think this guy is new and he was making a very loud, vibrating call, not the "neer-errr!" call I usually hear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_SBWY-Cac_w9KhGvdeIqEuEZUV3Kt8ya0qhMzFmIJXghgTRyT4guDNrZgWJMUVEe2rSAZ6UAVaG59pS3KDfimCV-mfvC2ityr1HTQGpVv2wgiVEt7majd8yWZMa8_o9pRzupuR5RQFo/s1600/towhee+0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_SBWY-Cac_w9KhGvdeIqEuEZUV3Kt8ya0qhMzFmIJXghgTRyT4guDNrZgWJMUVEe2rSAZ6UAVaG59pS3KDfimCV-mfvC2ityr1HTQGpVv2wgiVEt7majd8yWZMa8_o9pRzupuR5RQFo/s320/towhee+0212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The two older male Pekins have decided to break off from the regular group and go on their own. I found in in the reeds near where Mr. Pekin and Arthritis Duck was killed by coyotes. However, I did not see them today, nor did I see any signs that the coyotes got them. They are about the same age as the other two ducks when they were killed. The newest duck, Daisy, was also not seen. She is an imprint and I can totally see her going home with someone.Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-47461410046081545362016-11-14T12:40:00.003-08:002016-11-14T12:42:08.903-08:00Great Egrets FightingI was counting birds at Lake Murray when I spotted these two great egrets fighting. I think one was a juvenile and the other had a mate setting up a nest in a tree about a 1/4 mile away. They had been fighting for a couple of minutes before I started taking pictures. A couple of times, one had the other completely under water.<br />
<br />
The coot is a referee:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lp_1PyECGCk/WCogXSlOhwI/AAAAAAAAIgk/j4n5pdAnu8kHZJp8-rvtXM1LWptF_eRLwCLcB/s1600/fighting%2Begrets%2B3%2B1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lp_1PyECGCk/WCogXSlOhwI/AAAAAAAAIgk/j4n5pdAnu8kHZJp8-rvtXM1LWptF_eRLwCLcB/s320/fighting%2Begrets%2B3%2B1114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The ducks initially swam away, but came back to watch. I think that might be little Troublemaker, the mallard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5wZ2QyrTpQ/WCogZxz_kKI/AAAAAAAAIgs/V9LqZ8X4HWg3WTS9Yw8PlzAdfloUPQBQgCLcB/s1600/egrets%2Bfighting%2B2%2B1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5wZ2QyrTpQ/WCogZxz_kKI/AAAAAAAAIgs/V9LqZ8X4HWg3WTS9Yw8PlzAdfloUPQBQgCLcB/s320/egrets%2Bfighting%2B2%2B1114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNSQJyujZyo/WCogYk-8VoI/AAAAAAAAIgo/at0ly6LBitwNKvhzUe-S3qqAUvqiw5UhQCLcB/s1600/egrets%2Bfighting%2B1%2B1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNSQJyujZyo/WCogYk-8VoI/AAAAAAAAIgo/at0ly6LBitwNKvhzUe-S3qqAUvqiw5UhQCLcB/s320/egrets%2Bfighting%2B1%2B1114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eaVWRn-9uhE/WCoga6iKdUI/AAAAAAAAIgw/fx4TjpkoWncsVs_N3npY9WW6HP_4c3OxQCLcB/s1600/egrets%2Bfighting%2B4%2B1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eaVWRn-9uhE/WCoga6iKdUI/AAAAAAAAIgw/fx4TjpkoWncsVs_N3npY9WW6HP_4c3OxQCLcB/s320/egrets%2Bfighting%2B4%2B1114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWn_kkDrpbU/WCogb9xk3gI/AAAAAAAAIg0/aLTGKHEsQykrd9CsZbueOjdoi75wvwa_ACLcB/s1600/egrets%2Bfighting%2B1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWn_kkDrpbU/WCogb9xk3gI/AAAAAAAAIg0/aLTGKHEsQykrd9CsZbueOjdoi75wvwa_ACLcB/s320/egrets%2Bfighting%2B1114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The looser looked like he had swallowed some water and didn't look good the next few times I saw him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In other news, Pumpkin is still missing, though Sissy has been doing very well. Pumpkin always had some kind of health issue and it's still possible that she passed away, though I thought I heard her quacking a month ago. </div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-38848987044020146812016-09-27T10:43:00.002-07:002016-09-27T10:44:45.052-07:00Sissy Returns and Other Birdy Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sissy, the buff duck, seems to have returned from her three-month absence in the reeds at Lake Murray. She had no ducklings this year. Her sister, Pumpkin, has not been seen or heard, yet, but she may still be in there as she often comes out after Sissy leaves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkLfKpUvO0A/V-qtg24WrBI/AAAAAAAAIe8/V4Dyjnl_EfwTPQ3091U7VVcTTbKX_Rh3gCLcB/s1600/Sissy%2B0915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkLfKpUvO0A/V-qtg24WrBI/AAAAAAAAIe8/V4Dyjnl_EfwTPQ3091U7VVcTTbKX_Rh3gCLcB/s320/Sissy%2B0915.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This poor duck's eyes are swollen shut. I saw him a week later and they were less swollen, but he still had problems seeing. I haven't seen him recently. I thought maybe he was having severe mite problems, but now I think he got stung by a bee or spider.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtVpiCvlfJA/V-qtk2389qI/AAAAAAAAIfE/7PigdfXA-HUBF2CgjVDzoQNQHIwkbx7HgCLcB/s1600/swollen%2Beyes%2B0905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtVpiCvlfJA/V-qtk2389qI/AAAAAAAAIfE/7PigdfXA-HUBF2CgjVDzoQNQHIwkbx7HgCLcB/s320/swollen%2Beyes%2B0905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At my home, we had a baby dove fledge and leave for good. Here's a photo of him still in the nest with his dad.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbPB8PLMiMpUKjpTG9VHFSetkARg94X1iSsAQH9XlzC9fgvdPqF4-4r2f3YN-B-pTBqDx1aJm3RpJMZuVXCcNdFxqHBT7MlWpHuAJwIpWRKt2xKKnD72LxDdlUFHI1Zuzf1j2W1zZjNs/s1600/baby+dove+and+dad+0904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbPB8PLMiMpUKjpTG9VHFSetkARg94X1iSsAQH9XlzC9fgvdPqF4-4r2f3YN-B-pTBqDx1aJm3RpJMZuVXCcNdFxqHBT7MlWpHuAJwIpWRKt2xKKnD72LxDdlUFHI1Zuzf1j2W1zZjNs/s320/baby+dove+and+dad+0904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
In sad news, I think something happened to that one young goose that was always lagging behind and who couldn't fly out with the others. This looks like a Canada goose wing, but it's all folded up and missing the "fingers". If I were to unfold this, it would be pretty big, so it rules out any of the ducks or other birds. I'm thinking he died in the water or the reeds. I found it near where he was last seen. I thought I he finally got away because the next time I went to that area, all the other geese were hanging out there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwHIQNbTaQs/V-qtj8ntdZI/AAAAAAAAIfA/LhSFDtUM1sM-0TT4tRuh5uFy8-X82vzogCLcB/s1600/goose%2Bwing%2B0923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwHIQNbTaQs/V-qtj8ntdZI/AAAAAAAAIfA/LhSFDtUM1sM-0TT4tRuh5uFy8-X82vzogCLcB/s320/goose%2Bwing%2B0923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In other sad news, I think I found out what happened to Miss Skeeter. I found a lot of light-brown feathers in the same area where Mr. Squeaky was found. This area is in a direct line from where I last saw her. I think the feathers were out there for at least a month or six weeks which would put them back to when I got the last report of her in late July.Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-71246840859729102112016-08-22T18:36:00.001-07:002016-08-22T18:36:32.858-07:00Zippy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't know if anyone remembers Zippy and Skippy and their mom "Yellowcheeks" from 2012? Here's a photo of them at about 2-3 weeks old:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FuTxhx0CtlI/V7um_FK4hfI/AAAAAAAAIeY/XWoQF4PFseceAkiOi088pPCujpLSimtVgCLcB/s1600/2%2Bducklings2%2B0804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FuTxhx0CtlI/V7um_FK4hfI/AAAAAAAAIeY/XWoQF4PFseceAkiOi088pPCujpLSimtVgCLcB/s320/2%2Bducklings2%2B0804.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I lost track of them when Zippy found a mate and I thought she left the lake for good. However, I recently came across an old photo of Zippy that made me realize something. This isn't the old photo, but it's a photo that I'm completely sure is her, so I am posting it. Sorry for the contrast.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGhv9GXkl-m8Q_NvIo1MyQZDhPkqpIpCYiansGvjC4P9suAxHWE-X0obdGuHNJcfrZX1Ux6OiGyl_yLPMD__y-jGbw8GccK-jJ8zSj_mCouGCMm98Tp6e-BrhBZGJbnNw4aoBicHTDnj4/s1600/zippy+0924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGhv9GXkl-m8Q_NvIo1MyQZDhPkqpIpCYiansGvjC4P9suAxHWE-X0obdGuHNJcfrZX1Ux6OiGyl_yLPMD__y-jGbw8GccK-jJ8zSj_mCouGCMm98Tp6e-BrhBZGJbnNw4aoBicHTDnj4/s320/zippy+0924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is the photo I came across this morning that was taken about eight months after the one above.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6ZESWJnWnE/V7un2qJ5IBI/AAAAAAAAIec/wmWZbJ_fBGU4NjJtTB-bLhLudJ6Pa1A0gCLcB/s1600/zippy%2B0503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6ZESWJnWnE/V7un2qJ5IBI/AAAAAAAAIec/wmWZbJ_fBGU4NjJtTB-bLhLudJ6Pa1A0gCLcB/s320/zippy%2B0503.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just realized that Zippy may be the mother of the two ducklings from near the parking lot earlier this year. They're the ones that the grebe family liked to follow around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xfOARwnTc0/V4mdoUUqMII/AAAAAAAAIdI/LCHND8MHMygSrXCqyybS-cn3W5xYhiDfQCPcB/s1600/2%2Bweeks%2Bold%2B0715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xfOARwnTc0/V4mdoUUqMII/AAAAAAAAIdI/LCHND8MHMygSrXCqyybS-cn3W5xYhiDfQCPcB/s320/2%2Bweeks%2Bold%2B0715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-75067602833251599122016-08-07T07:16:00.000-07:002016-08-07T07:16:13.265-07:00Spotted Sandpiper and AvocetsI haven't been taking a lot of pictures at Lake Murray, lately, but I did see this very friendly spotted sandpiper about two weeks ago. I think it's a male because he's small and slim. He was eating up flies like crazy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2De1vrxSgtI/V6dCOGNy7aI/AAAAAAAAId8/tlN87T_56N8Gaim3tbqNl2RB4QYbe_I-QCLcB/s1600/spotted%2Bsandpiper2%2B0725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2De1vrxSgtI/V6dCOGNy7aI/AAAAAAAAId8/tlN87T_56N8Gaim3tbqNl2RB4QYbe_I-QCLcB/s320/spotted%2Bsandpiper2%2B0725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTRhPlC4ia8/V6dCOlR6huI/AAAAAAAAIeA/521qG-ruRbA3-1afpqho1IaBRNn9_r-ZACLcB/s1600/spotted%2Bsandpiper%2B0725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTRhPlC4ia8/V6dCOlR6huI/AAAAAAAAIeA/521qG-ruRbA3-1afpqho1IaBRNn9_r-ZACLcB/s320/spotted%2Bsandpiper%2B0725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I also saw some visiting American avocets on another morning. They're not rare, but don't visit the lake all that often.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Le7rfR2wwMY/V6dCPr5abMI/AAAAAAAAIeE/EN-g4BiqyZ45m7IjFDaIGux5Y76Iq5izQCLcB/s1600/avocets%2B0720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Le7rfR2wwMY/V6dCPr5abMI/AAAAAAAAIeE/EN-g4BiqyZ45m7IjFDaIGux5Y76Iq5izQCLcB/s320/avocets%2B0720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-77028285756758553022016-07-15T19:38:00.001-07:002016-07-15T19:40:27.980-07:00July DucklingsSo far, duckling season at Lake Murray this year has been pretty poor. Not only are they disappearing when I do see them, there's been fewer of them. However, some have managed to make it to adulthood. Here are three late season broods.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first two must be from sisters because the moms look very similar. I believe that these are both second broods for those mothers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvsavR8zqVU/V4mdmNbCypI/AAAAAAAAIc8/op_rel8jp2AIRdZJG4--rwEMYd_HKTtlgCLcB/s1600/New%2Bducklings%2B0715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvsavR8zqVU/V4mdmNbCypI/AAAAAAAAIc8/op_rel8jp2AIRdZJG4--rwEMYd_HKTtlgCLcB/s320/New%2Bducklings%2B0715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZB3Jfyy0C8/V4mdm0m0WgI/AAAAAAAAIdA/yF1XIGI20_4w_pK4id7xfl6HfFtO40gHACLcB/s1600/mom%2Band%2Banother%2Bnew%2Bbaby%2B0715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZB3Jfyy0C8/V4mdm0m0WgI/AAAAAAAAIdA/yF1XIGI20_4w_pK4id7xfl6HfFtO40gHACLcB/s320/mom%2Band%2Banother%2Bnew%2Bbaby%2B0715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This third family is at the two-week-old mark. The duckling at the front is a hybrid and if he survives, he will be a chunky-looking mallard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2xfOARwnTc0/V4mdoUUqMII/AAAAAAAAIdE/OprX_XSrrDMoRPUNj_7DMEJOKex6G2ZtgCLcB/s1600/2%2Bweeks%2Bold%2B0715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2xfOARwnTc0/V4mdoUUqMII/AAAAAAAAIdE/OprX_XSrrDMoRPUNj_7DMEJOKex6G2ZtgCLcB/s320/2%2Bweeks%2Bold%2B0715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another duckling made it until he was three weeks old and disappeared. He was very independent and just old enough that he could have lived on his own, so I'm hoping he just went off somewhere and is hiding.</div>
Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-68539308454003419332016-06-27T14:53:00.001-07:002016-06-27T14:53:56.202-07:00Photo Contest WinnersI enter the Mission Trails photo contest almost every year and almost always with a duckling or gosling photo. I just like to show off the babies because I really enjoy photographing them. This year, I entered three photos and two of them won prizes. It was a total surprise for me and I thank the judges for choosing my photos out of all the great photos that were there. Here were the winning photos:<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Third Place and People's Choice:</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7H19KRBJNWE/V3Gf_Tt1ISI/AAAAAAAAIck/dgwDspXjykQfrhLBfAKvIlGgfOHvN2hhgCLcB/s1600/baby%2Bsqueaker2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7H19KRBJNWE/V3Gf_Tt1ISI/AAAAAAAAIck/dgwDspXjykQfrhLBfAKvIlGgfOHvN2hhgCLcB/s320/baby%2Bsqueaker2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Morning Baby Squeaker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>First Place and Best of Show:</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzTxNPRmkmg/V3GgE8caRtI/AAAAAAAAIcs/EhPaLXzgnCEpi2xVc35sK_flchLhWjmygCLcB/s1600/gosling%2Bmarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzTxNPRmkmg/V3GgE8caRtI/AAAAAAAAIcs/EhPaLXzgnCEpi2xVc35sK_flchLhWjmygCLcB/s320/gosling%2Bmarch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March of the Goslings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Thanks for viewing!<br /><div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-62586984150703023082016-06-05T10:22:00.004-07:002016-06-05T10:22:49.559-07:00Northern Rough-Winged Swallows Feeding Their Babies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This morning, I was privileged to see two very young northern rough-winged swallows getting fed at Lake Murray. Sorry for the blurriness, they were far away and it was cloudy and there were branches in my way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This first photo shows a hummingbird who was very interested in what was going on. Yes, there are two babies in the first two photos, one is closer to the right and less active. The first two pictures also have an adult. The first photo shows an adult leaving after feeding the youngster and the second photo shows the adult approaching the youngster who begins to show a begging posture. Note that in both photos the other baby doesn't react.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgb4TBR-wNU/V1ReMOBWmfI/AAAAAAAAIcI/RRT5C6gZfQ0146leBLUFunx1kDbttEoRACLcB/s1600/feeding%2Bbaby%2Brough%2Bwings%2B0605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgb4TBR-wNU/V1ReMOBWmfI/AAAAAAAAIcI/RRT5C6gZfQ0146leBLUFunx1kDbttEoRACLcB/s400/feeding%2Bbaby%2Brough%2Bwings%2B0605.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9r9bSTU6GY/V1ReNDuPy5I/AAAAAAAAIcM/e70nZ8sdA-4uDov_7Fspjtx0agmPyVlywCLcB/s1600/freeding%2Bbaby%2Brough%2Bwings%2B0605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9r9bSTU6GY/V1ReNDuPy5I/AAAAAAAAIcM/e70nZ8sdA-4uDov_7Fspjtx0agmPyVlywCLcB/s400/freeding%2Bbaby%2Brough%2Bwings%2B0605.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another immature (teenager) rough-winged swallow was also waiting to get fed. The swallows were doing a good job keeping the bugs down today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2c-AlgeFgk/V1ReOYcpciI/AAAAAAAAIcQ/dn2tghbkhLcCrMHvXqW6b6AETDA131TxwCLcB/s1600/immature%2Brough%2Bwinged%2Bswallow1%2B0605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2c-AlgeFgk/V1ReOYcpciI/AAAAAAAAIcQ/dn2tghbkhLcCrMHvXqW6b6AETDA131TxwCLcB/s400/immature%2Brough%2Bwinged%2Bswallow1%2B0605.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-12149537271378753472016-05-29T16:46:00.000-07:002016-05-29T16:46:50.080-07:00New Project Wildlife Ducks at Lake MurrayA bunch of new Project Wildlife ducks were released yesterday at Lake Murray after being raised and rehabilitated. One of them was so cute. He still had a peeping voice and when his friends got too far away, you can hear his little duckling call. They are usually released when they begin to grow their primaries, usually at about seven weeks old. I know they're releases because there are no surviving ducklings that old at the lake right now. In fact, there's been very few ducklings seen so far this season. This is the second group released this year.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LupiGiix0cQ/V0t-vS3ftvI/AAAAAAAAIb4/xvwjPTMOwRgdIOGvNXpqKcLgnqTMcJVCgCLcB/s1600/new%2Bproject%2Bwildlife%2Bducks%2B0528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LupiGiix0cQ/V0t-vS3ftvI/AAAAAAAAIb4/xvwjPTMOwRgdIOGvNXpqKcLgnqTMcJVCgCLcB/s400/new%2Bproject%2Bwildlife%2Bducks%2B0528.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
That's not fishing line in that one duckling's mouth, it's algae.</div>
Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-83095239657727342292016-05-25T10:54:00.000-07:002016-05-25T10:55:38.050-07:00New Baby Ducks at Lake Murray, Today's Picture 5/25/2016Today's picture is of a new set of ducklings in the same area where Miss Una and her mother kept their ducklings until they went somewhere else. This may be Miss Una's aunt. In case you're wondering, Miss Una's mom and aunt are probably direct descendants of Fish Food Mama who is also mother to Peaches, Butterscotch, Caramel, Pepper, Indy and about 30 other adult ducks at Lake Murray.<br />
<br />
Miss Una's mom and aunt are likely two of the 10 ducklings Fish Food Mama successfully raised in 2013. All the females in that brood look very similar to each other and a lot like their mom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atlNPX_JB4o/V0XmXIvsC8I/AAAAAAAAIaw/ddEH-pp0WVETfSNDQ85zh_cSy81qixucwCLcB/s1600/new%2Bducklings%2B0525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atlNPX_JB4o/V0XmXIvsC8I/AAAAAAAAIaw/ddEH-pp0WVETfSNDQ85zh_cSy81qixucwCLcB/s400/new%2Bducklings%2B0525.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869132546272000184.post-52844034120949086932016-05-24T08:06:00.000-07:002016-05-24T08:08:09.047-07:00Least Tern, Picture of the Day 05/24/16Today's picture of the day is of a least tern that was flying around at the Tijuana River Natural Estuarine Research Reserve down by the border near Imperial Beach. I took this on International Migratory Bird Day on May 14th. The least terns nest in this area and this adult was looking for small fish in the river area. It was a cloudy day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nMJ5YxrWHs/V0RtzuGecII/AAAAAAAAIag/Tr8RZtYwZW8SV4J2-e-GebyOtN082d_uwCLcB/s1600/least%2Btern%2Bat%2Btrnerr1%2B0514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nMJ5YxrWHs/V0RtzuGecII/AAAAAAAAIag/Tr8RZtYwZW8SV4J2-e-GebyOtN082d_uwCLcB/s400/least%2Btern%2Bat%2Btrnerr1%2B0514.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Update on the ducklings in the last post: Unfortunately, they were all gone within a couple of days. </div>
<br />Desertdarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278605779690559082noreply@blogger.com0