Two days ago there were three mallard hens and three drakes in Botany Pond: the maximum number I want to nest here. Today there are six drakes and five hens, and lots of activity, lots of chasing, and lots of quacking by females (I have no idea why). This morning there was a loud chorus in which all the hens were quacking together (remember, only females give the classic “quack”: the drakes have a pathetic and less audible version). I don’t know why, as I saw no predators, dogs, or anything else that would disturb them. When I fed them this afternoon, there was moderate quacking; here’s an example:
These pictures are from yesterday, when another hen and drake had arrived.
Not Honey:
A hen and drake eating some good duck chow:
Male in his mating raiment:
A drake having a thorough postprandial wash:
The drakes are especially handsome and iridescent this year. I suspect it’s mating time!
This one looks sly:
More to come, of course. . .
Could these be Honey’s kids and grandkids? Perhaps all the quacking is part of establishing territories within the pond?
I have no idea!
I beg to differ, Jerry. That IS Honey, left profile.
Yes, you’re right–I didn’t enlarge the photo!
There are going to be a lot of ducklings on Botany pond this spring. I hope it has enough capacity. And PCC’s wallet holds out.
I believe you decided it best not to feed them. Yet here you are doing it.
IIRC, that was only before migration to encourage them to fly south.
That is my understanding as well. I don’t know if feeding all of them now will cause them to stick around though; I doubt PCC wants too many moms.
My understanding too.
That drake cleaning! Talk about water off a duck’s back.
I saw two mallards earlier today while out looking at other birds. One was a female and her bill pattern was definitely not like Honey’s. I was wondering if the offspring of Honey might have an increased chance of having similar bill patterns.
The ornithological equivalent of the 1980s’ “Members Only” jacket? 🙂
As referenced in Sheryl Crow’s song of the same name: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hAN6Q5VGrEU
“When you put it on, something happens”, as the jacket’s tag line went. Luckily for the manufacturer, they didn’t specify what – so no refunds when sensible females ran for the exit!
The powers that be ought to consider that Mallard green for the Masters jacket at Augusta! It’s splendid.
A duck pond is like daytime soap.