At least dozen species nest on or near my home and/or forage for food for their young in the yard. Many of these bring their fledglings around as a reminder that parenting is a demanding task.
The family that I most look forward to seeing is Mother Merganser and her young. She nests somewhere upriver from our home and leads her brood up and down the river, alerting them to danger and teaching them how to feed themselves.
A couple of days ago, I was reading on the lower lawn when I saw Mother Merganser. I went inside for my camera and was delighted to find her still nearby and with her young.
It appeared that she was trying to lead them upriver, but there were snags and rapids blocking the way, and my presence made her nervous ...
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| Looking for a way upstream |
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| Waiting for Mom |
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| Perhaps a walk around? |
Unable to find an easy passage, she led them hurriedly down river instead ...
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| Mom takes a short-cut ... |
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| ... while the kids follow the shallow current |
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| Mom rides the rapids ... |
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| ... and the kids join her. |
Good Birding!!
1 comment:
What a good mama she was looking out for her young on this dangerous terrain. She did a wonderful job leading them down the rapids. How exciting for you to witness and photograph this moment in their busy day. Beautifully photographed, puts a smile on ones face seeing them succeed.
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