10 Baby Wood Ducks (1st thought they were Mallards)

[ThreeOfSeven]

They were. Fit into the palm of my hand. <sigh>

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

Wood ducks and pullets living together.

Thought I would take some pictures tonight.

 

[Miss Lydia]

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

Babies are being release tomorrow morning. Just got back from the store this morning with fresh corn on the cob, watermelon, and blackberries ... Their favorite treats.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They may not want to go after all of that. How are you feeling about it all?

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

Bittersweet. I want them to fly and swim, like they should. But, I know that the average life span of a wood duck in the wild is 4 years. Whereas, in captivity, the lifespan is 12 years. Nonetheless, this is what I set out to do, and I have to follow through. When I let them out of the pen tomorrow morning, they have 360-degrees open to them. I just pray that they head in the right direction.

 

[Miss Lydia]

You have brought them this far and they are healthy. Hope instinct takes over once released and they live long lives. You may even have visitors for a few days once you open that door. Could be they won’t leave or leave an come back. Please let us know how it goes.

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

I will. Hoping to video the release. Just ignore if you hear someone bawling in the background. <grin>

 

[doublecrossranch]

I wasn't at the rescue and didn't see the mother. So, here's a closeup of the babies.

View attachment 1820885

I don’t have an answers but they are so stinking cute. Makes me miss my ducks

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

I'm going to miss these guys. Maybe I'll get some ducklings next spring and start all over.