This is the season to watch chicks. Some remain in nests, but many waterfowl are already swimming.
Often the first chicks to be seen on the Lake are those of our local avis non grata, the Canada Goose. It gains this epithet by its proclivity to defecate on our lawns and fields. Balanced against this is the fact that these are the only chicks in this posting where both the male and female attend to them. This is a family bird, despite its other undesirable behaviour.
One of the most common birds on the Lake is the Mallard. I wish her luck with her new family.
This Common Merganser female is certainly the epitome of fecundity.
This is a Hooded Merganser female. She has her own small brood.
Finally, a (Common?) Goldeneye female and her brood.
As ever, your spring calendar is well ahead of ours here in the Clearwater Valley. Thanks for the preview: much to look forward to…
T
Hi,Alistair,
If all the Common Merganser chicks are her own,I think it would be a world record!The largest number I have seen referred to is 17,and I think I count 18,or 19 in your picture, depending how many are on her back.Last week I saw a Wood Duck escorting Bufflehead chicks as well as her own,and it is very common to see Canada Geese,escorting more than one brood.
As always ,wonderful photos
Peter