Favoritos de caterpillar511

MALLARD FIGHT!!!

Four Mallards emerged from the water and made their way into the leaves. There, they would engage in combat, biting and pushing each other around! At one point, it seemed like three of them were ganging up on the one.

It was a lengthy fight, lasting a few minutes. Other scuffles involving Mallards here have only lasted seconds. These ducks meant business! Like previous fights however, the ducks weren't very loud, they took their bites in near silence!

I broke the fight up once or twice, but they kept going at it! Eventually, they ran out of stream. Two Mallards left the fight, then the other two disengaged. When it was all quacked and done, the four returned to the water like nothing had even happened.

I wonder why this group was so aggressive. These Mallards are still juveniles, cheeping rather than proper quacking. They're siblings too. Maybe siblings fighting is just a universal constant among all species, just like in humans.

Found sitting on the side of the road while driving by. Later taken to wildlife rehab, where we were told it is suffering from brain swelling. Currently on medication, and I will be receiving updates on its health!

Once in a lifetime moment! I saw this fawn about a few hundred yards out and as I started taking pictures it kept coming closer and closer to me. It had no fear and came within 6 feet of me. I didn't notice a mom near by which seemed kind of odd but made for a great experience!

After a few months, it became clear that Buzz wasn't coming back. The male Wood Duck had called Marita Payne Pond home since the winter of 2022. In that time, he impressed park goers with dazzling colours and signature cheeps. Now that he was gone, the pond felt incomplete.

I visited Marita Payne Pond on May 23, little did I know of the surprise waiting for me. Walking through the park, I turned a corner; my jaw dropped! Perched on a tree limb overlooking the water was a female Wood Duck, the first I've ever seen here!

I quickly snapped a photo and ran towards my Mother to tell her the good news. As we made our way back, the Wood Duck flew away overhead, her crest still distinguishable in flight.

Even though she was only at the pond for a matter of minutes, her appearance was very exciting. More Wood Ducks may be on the way!