The turn in the weather has brought out families visiting the Reserve. Sometimes, they’re lucky to see a duck family, as in today.
Australian Wood Duck family
Pacific Black duck
Pacific Black ducks (Anas superciliosa) and the Australian Wood duck (Chenonetta jubata) can both be found quite reliably in the Reserve. The lake is well-stocked with yabbies – which supplement the diet of the Pacific Blacks – and there is a range of grasses which supports the Wood Ducks. And, both species also breed here. Mating season has come and gone, and was a time when it was possible to see and hear the ducks checking trees for hollows.
It has been possible to see the remains of eggs and duckling fluff around some of the larger older trees –although, we do wonder how they make it all the way to the lake, given the foxes, the ravens and thrushes…as well as the motor bike users who are not supposed to be here.
There have been quite a few duck families that have made it to the lake.
This family was soaking up the warmth on the bank near the bridge at the informally named ‘Duck Point’ – a place very popular with children who like to feed the ducks (and the Swamp Hens and the one resident Eurasian Coot!) Fortunately, some people have become aware that bread is not the ideal food and have at least shifted to vegetables.
The Wood Duck family seemed happy with those offerings.
Family resting in the sun
One duckling taking a ride on female duck’s back
Ducklings starting to move about; male duck still on relaxed lookout duty
Some resting; some exploring – heading toward the water
Closer to water, fossicking for food as they go
Male duck turns to face the potential intruder, as a Swamp Hen walks past – Swamp Hens have been known to take ducklings
All thirteen ducklings…
Edward Hunter Heritage Bush Reserve 
oh this is just beautiful! It’s wonderful how both the parents are doing the duckling rearing together. Is this usual for Wood Ducks? Great succession of photos too 🙂
Thanks, Cindy – it is delightful when ducklings are on the lake 🙂 Reading this paper (http://wildfowl.wwt.org.uk/index.php/wildfowl/article/viewFile/838/838) it appears these animals are unusual in their extended pair bonding as well as the bi-parental care. The paper also explains some of the behaviour of the male duck, such as its preference for higher ground and its head-up stance and both ducks flying at the other birds – like the Little Cormorants – on the lake if they get too close. Let’s hope they survive the Swamp hens and the foxes, as well as the human influences.
Cheers!