Ducklings in November

[Mandy-Lou]

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who will have seen this, but this morning I saw a group of very young ducklings on a Hertfordshire river.

It didn't make me very happy, because I can't see them surviving.

Does anyone know anywhere where this type of prodigious event might be of interest (gathering stats etc). Is it connected to climate change?

[naturelover]

hi mandy-lou,a warm welcome to the site,i think it must be climate change as its so warm for nov/dec,the animals and birds are a bit mixed up, i supose they think its spring,but as you say its very sad because our weather is so unprodiktable,one min like spring next middle of winter,but there is not a lot we can do just hope it stays warm for another month then your little ducklins might servive.

[big bill]

Hello mandy-lou like already said I think myself it could be down to this change in climate certainly down your way its getting everything confused give them about another couple of weeks and they may just survive

[coasty]

I think you see some really late hatchlings every year.. Could be a second brood or a pair that keeps losing their eggs,,, Its natures way of creating enough to allow survival of a few, But have to agree that they are to late to stand much chance

[epops]

could try herehttp://www.birdsandpeople.org/images...ite_header.swf dont no if the link will work though

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by coasty

I think you see some really late hatchlings every year.. Could be a second brood or a pair that keeps losing their eggs,,, Its natures way of creating enough to allow survival of a few, But have to agree that they are to late to stand much chance

Agreed and its not even unusual to see them on eggs in January either!

[Mandy-Lou]

Thanks for the replies.

Interesting to note that it may not be directly related to climate change - it really alarmed me as it's the 1st time I've seen this and I've been cycling along that river summer and winter for 7 years now.

[Gill Catton]

No there's even legislation relating to the rescue and artificial incubation of mallard eggs found before mid Feb I think... (normally eggs cannot be taken under legislation)

[aeshna5]

I've seen Mallard ducklings in December at Slimbridge a few years back. They are very much oppurtunistic birds.