I couldn’t resist putting up this 2.25-minute video, as it convinced me that the two ducklings who disappeared on July 4 actually flew away and didn’t waddle off or were taken by predators.
This was filmed yesterday after Esther and her remaining four ducklings had a light lunch (they eat less now because they’re dabbling). And after lunch is play/swim/flap/dunk/dive/fly time. This video shows considerable proficiency in flying, which begings about 13 seconds in and involves every mallard. Note the U-turn at 18 seconds.
Be sure to watch all the way until the end, because another bout of flying, again involving all five, begins at 1:25.
They are clearly ready to fledge, and I’m told that they do so at roughly 50-60 days after hatching. May 7 (the day the brood hit the water) until July 4 is 58 days.
I, for one, will miss them when they leave.
There’s always one: https://x.com/buitengebieden/status/1941759250453176670
They’re on their way to a lifetime of adventures!
They’re so grown up! May they have long and happy lives.
Great news!
They’re all grown up! 🦆🦆🦆