HELP! I got a duck . . . ?! Or a LOON . . .?! ***UPDATE***

[BattleChickens]

Well, I'm hoping its a duck of some sort. I'm keeping it, regardless. If he flies away when he's older, then that was his destiny. I'm already loving the little one - prolly have to get another LEGAL duck or two now . . . Time to call Mrs AK Bird Brain!

 

[wj77]

Could possably be a bufflehead or a goldeneye, Just a guess

 

[alaskaduckgirl]

Do you live in Alaska? I am in Anchorage right next to Westchester Lagoon. We see lots of wild ducks and I haven't seen a baby like this one! Sure is cute!

 

[BattleChickens]

Yeah, I'm in Nikiski (N. Kenai). We have tons of lakes in the area, but I can't find a website with good pics - especially of ducklings. I saw a momma with about 4 of these in tow about a week or so ago . . . barely saw her, though, since I was gawking at the babies! I think I'll go to the library tomorrow and see what I find . . .

 

[BattleChickens]

My little one is a Barrow's Goldeneye . . . not sure if I should try to keep him or not now. I just want to do what's best for the little guy!

 

[saddina]

At this point I'm going to say you're stuck with him. Feed him, give him a safe place, but know that he should be released once he becomes of age.

There's a shot that his family may make a new nest, this is what I was able to dig up:



The BarrowThis waterfowl likes to breed in wooded ponds and lakes in North America although it also frequents Canada and Iceland. Barrow’s Goldeneye usually builds nests in cavities in trees. However, it also makes burrows in the ground or rock crevices near the water. It prefers to make use of existing holes such as hollow stumps as well.
This waterfowl’s nest is usually made up of fine twigs and moss. The nest is lined with down. Barrow’s Goldeneye also makes use of existing nests made by other waterfowls. The female Barrow Goldeneye usually lays 6 to eggs which are of a pale blue color. These eggs hatch about one month of incubation.
Barrow’s Goldeneye normally breeds only one brood per year. In special circumstances, it may have more than one brood in a year. This can happen if the first brood is destroyed due to one reason or another.


Building a Birdhouse For The Barrow
A birdhouse for Barrow’s Goldeneye is easy to construct. Birdhouses for other birds such as the American Kestrel and the Screech Owl can also be used for Barrow’s Goldeneye. The birdhouse should have an 8” x 8“ floor, 15” inside ceiling, 3” diameter entrance hole (located 12” above the floor) and ventilation openings. For easy access, the roof should be hinged.
The birdhouse should be placed at least 10 feet above the ground, if possible higher. An ideal location would be on a tree trunk near the water. Experts suggest that the birdhouse be located within 100 feet of a body of water.


The Barrow
A monogamous bird, Barrow’s Goldeneye usually starts breeding at 2 years of age. Pairing starts in later winter, just right before they start their northward migration.

The Barrow
As a diving duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye is an expert diver. It feeds in shallow waters, diving near the bottom to get its food. Its main fare consists of aquatic invertebrates and fish eggs. However, it also eats fish, frogs, shellfish, insects, seeds, and some plants

 

[saddina]

http://www.waterfowler.net/Alaska/hunting_island_x.html

I looked to see if I could find you some permit info, seems the only thing that came back were hunting permits...

 

[tia]

What a cutie... looks like a wild duck. I live in Valdez, AK and last time I found a duckling and called for help, they told me to go put it back in the woods even if the mama wasn't around and leave it there. I took it to someone who had a goose and it adopted it and then it took off with the wild ducks when it grew up. I would be real surprised if Fish and Game would give you any help. Good Luck.. maybe the Bird Rescue Center in Anchorage would give you some tips on how to take care of it.

Tia

 

[Goat_Walker]

Quote:
Sorry, this just cracked me up , not sure why. Ive resqued quite a few wild ducks - adults and ducklings alike. The wild adults - crippled or no WONT leave me. Its like they find my comfortable abode too precious to leave.

Ive personally never had a problem with the law for my "wild" ducks. And a vet... well I doubt a vet is going to keep the duck and the release it. More than likely he will take it to a game warden or a rehabilitator I would think

 

[Mrs MIA]

Give me a call... I'll give you a crash course in keeping ducks.