Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Nearly Grown -- Duckling Update!

 
Posted by Picasa



Tess's remaining six ducklings are nearly full grown. Seriously, they are almost as big as she is!


Baby mallards all look like females for a period of time before the males get their distinctive blue-green head and other markings. At first, three of the ducklings were getting a white edge on their wings, similar to females. I was convinced that meant there were possibly three males and three females. However, a day or two later, I noticed that the remining ducks had the white feathers, too. So, either they all are females, or it's still too soon to tell!

Today, Tess and ducklings showed up with a seventh in tow! It's also a mallard and is a little darker than the others, so it's obvious it's one she picked up along the way and not one of hers. She's been a good mother and apparently has adopted this little "orphan".

Very sweet!

6 comments:

  1. Oh cute!! And what a nice story about the duckling adoption.

    ReplyDelete
  2. They are so cute! It is the mother's nature to adopt the little one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. They look so happy together. And cute too ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love that Tess has taken the orphaned duckling "under her wing." Adoption is a beautiful journey!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes, I know that you would appreciate that aspect!

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a sweet mom to adopt that little orphan! I hope the rest of his family is okay, and that he just got separated.

    ReplyDelete