Weird wild duckling

[luvmypets]

Aww hoping he's ok!

 

[desertdarlene]

I saw him today! I was counting the birds when I thought I saw a ruddy duck hanging out with the gadwalls. Though it is unusual to see ruddy ducks at this lake this time of year, it's not unheard of. Well, I looked through my binoculars to make sure and I saw that it was Trouble! His mom had just been visiting him. After trying to find someone else to hang out with, he curled up in the water and went to sleep. He was too far away for me to get a photo. I didn't see him later on.

He really does look and act a lot like a ruddy duck, but I don't think those two species can interbreed, so I still think he's a runty mallard.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I saw him today! I was counting the birds when I thought I saw a ruddy duck hanging out with the gadwalls. Though it is unusual to see ruddy ducks at this lake this time of year, it's not unheard of. Well, I looked through my binoculars to make sure and I saw that it was Trouble! His mom had just been visiting him. After trying to find someone else to hang out with, he curled up in the water and went to sleep. He was too far away for me to get a photo. I didn't see him later on.

He really does look and act a lot like a ruddy duck, but I don't think those two species can interbreed, so I still think he's a runty mallard.

Could a Ruddy have laid an egg in the mama Mallards nest?

 

[desertdarlene]

Well, he's got a lot of mallard traits such as long legs not too far back and other traits, so I don't think he's a came from a ruddy duck egg.

Mama duck was very frustrated with him not following her and flew away. She seemed almost angry at him.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well, he's got a lot of mallard traits such as long legs not too far back and other traits, so I don't think he's a came from a ruddy duck egg.

Mama duck was very frustrated with him not following her and flew away. She seemed almost angry at him.

Well he's made it this long lets hope he can keep it up. He's so adorable. and deserves a good life.

 

[desertdarlene]

I think he wouldn't have made it even this long if it wasn't for his mama. Most mother ducks would have abandoned him long ago.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I think he wouldn't have made it even this long if it wasn't for his mama. Most mother ducks would have abandoned him long ago.

She a good one for sure.

 

[Frank Phinster]

Indeed unusual for a mallard.
How is the runt? Are his primaries and secondaries finally growing in?

 

[farm316]

Cute story dd and would like to encourage you too keep posting pics!

 

[desertdarlene]

Thanks! I couldn't get any pics because he was too far. Last I saw him, he was getting pin feathers on the wings, but still had fuzz on his back. He looked the same on Tuesday. I will see if I can find him tomorrow. He hangs out in an area that's not very accessible for me.