Duckling Story 3 may be a continuation of Duckling Story 2 – it is a bit difficult to interpret these events. An hour or two after the seven ducklings disappeared into the long grass, we saw a female duck with two ducklings grazing in that green spot all of the ducks seem to love. We … Continue reading Duckling Story 3
Tag: Australian Wood Duck
Reflecting on Ducks and Dam Levels
The late afternoon sun produced beautiful reflections on the surface of the dam, today. A group of six Australian Wood Ducks were enjoying the water with one duck of a different species. It looks like a Pacific Black Duck, but the neck is paler than I recall from previous visitors. It is possible it may … Continue reading Reflecting on Ducks and Dam Levels
Duckling Update: Growing Adult Plumage
It is now 25 days since I wrote about the female Australian Wood Duck being taken, and the male duck raising eight ducklings. In that first post I mention we had sighted the ducklings about a week before. So, give or take a few days, the ducklings are now a month old. We still have … Continue reading Duckling Update: Growing Adult Plumage
Ducklings: Still Eight, and Growing Fast
Since the loss of the female Australian Wood Duck, we’ve been hoping the male can successfully rear eight ducklings on his own. Ten days later, the eight ducklings are still alive and seem to be growing fast. The family of ducks seem to live just over our boundary fence, and come in to graze or … Continue reading Ducklings: Still Eight, and Growing Fast
Duckling Update: There Are Still Eight Ducklings
After the fox sighting, I was worried when I could count only six heads last night, but two ducklings must have been hiding in the grass. There are still eight of them this morning. A proud Dad was following his brood as they raced ahead of him. He seemed content to let the ducklings set … Continue reading Duckling Update: There Are Still Eight Ducklings
Disputed Habitat: Pacific Black Duck vs Australian Wood Duck
This morning I awoke to a wonderful surprise, a Pacific Black Duck with approximately eight ducklings (it was difficult to count them from a distance). I’d not noticed a nest, so I don’t know if they were breeding on our property or a neighboring one. With such young fluffy ducklings, they had obviously walked … Continue reading Disputed Habitat: Pacific Black Duck vs Australian Wood Duck
Australian Wood Ducks
It has been quite a busy week. In those moments where I just want a break, I have been very thankful for the return of the Australian Wood Ducks which are back after spending the Summer elsewhere. For some reason, they seem much more relaxed near the house, which is fantastic. It has given … Continue reading Australian Wood Ducks
A Solitary Straw-Necked Ibis
We rarely see ibis here. In the sixteen months we have been here, I can count on one hand the number of days I’ve sighted them. The last time we had Straw-Necked Ibis here, they arrived at dusk to roost and were gone at first light. Given this, it was a surprise to find a … Continue reading A Solitary Straw-Necked Ibis
Familiar Faces: Wildlife, Home, and Making Contact
The first thing I do when I get out of bed each day is look out the window to see ‘who’ is there. We recognise individual birds and animals within a species because they seem to have made their regular patch of turf the land outside our windows. It is their home as much as … Continue reading Familiar Faces: Wildlife, Home, and Making Contact
Magpie Breeding Season – Hold Onto Your Hat!
For the past six weeks or so, I haven’t been able to step outside the house without a sturdy hat. Breeding magpies are very defensive, and they will dive-bomb anything they perceive to be a threat, including innocent humans. Unfortunately, their aggressive habits have driven off some of the other breeding birds, such as the … Continue reading Magpie Breeding Season – Hold Onto Your Hat!
One Magpie v. More than Twenty Ducks
This is a sight I have often seen, but never before with camera in hand! Finally, I have captured it to share with you. A pair of magpies lives in a tree near the house, spending much of the day on the lawn leading down to the dam. One of these magpies is particularly territorial, … Continue reading One Magpie v. More than Twenty Ducks
Return of the Australian Wood Duck!
After what seems like a long absence, we are beginning to see Australian Wood Duck again. The family of thirteen has not returned as a group – maybe because the ducklings are making their own way in the world. Or perhaps (horrendous thought) because of duck season. Maybe some of the ducks have found new … Continue reading Return of the Australian Wood Duck!
Fifteen Acres 