Chit Chat
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Sadly no update on Hen the pigeon, but hope no news is good news.
However, nearby waterway is full of chicks of various ages.
I like our moorhens the best - they seem way down the pecking order. All the ducks, coots etc pick on them.
I've been sneaking wholemeal bread to the moorhens before the other birds figure out what is going on.
They are great parents from what I've observed.
However, nearby waterway is full of chicks of various ages.
I like our moorhens the best - they seem way down the pecking order. All the ducks, coots etc pick on them.
I've been sneaking wholemeal bread to the moorhens before the other birds figure out what is going on.
They are great parents from what I've observed.
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The survival rate amongst Mallard chicks on the ponds in the 2 local parks that I visit each day with my dog has been virtually non-existent this summer.One mother managed to raise 2 of her brood of 8.All other hatchlings have more or less disappeared overnight. Moorhens are much more successful,maybe because both parents care for them and also because they tend to skulk in the vegetation rather than go out onto open water.
I disagree with your comment that they are 'down the pecking order'.I've seen them get quite aggressive in seeing off our local Grey Heron(which is probably responsible for many of the Mallard losses)and also the adult Mallards when they get too close. Lots and lots of Mallards and Moorhens on these ponds but I've never seen a Coot.Last summer we had a pair of Tufted Ducks for the first time and the female successfully reared her 4 chicks.This summer we had 2 pairs but I haven't either male or female for over 4 weeks. |
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Sorry to hear about the mallard chicks near you iamajambo. Seen one mother with 7 recently and they all looked healthy enough, but I'm not an expert. Just find them lovely.
You are probably right about pecking order issue, the moorhens seem very good parents and its only the coots who they seem really afraid of. The ducks are scared of them too though round here. Our moorhen couple have 3 chicks, but one is much tinier than the others and a bit of a loner, but he still keeps going. It's great to pop down there and see him still about. |