Wednesday 8 June 2011

Mallard news

Good news -  Smudge the little white mallard still has 11 chicks this morning... well done her. 

The males are all looking a bit scrufy now as they moult.

photos by AnnMackieMiller:copyright 2011
Moulting Mallards

There is one injured female mallard near the bridge.  She seems to have injured her right leg.  By the bald bits on her head and neck she has obviously been chased a lot by males wanting to mate.  There seems to be a male protecting her, at least at times, but he is easily distracted if another female comes along.
The RSPB say you would probably cause more problems trying to catch her and really there is little you can do except keep feeding her. 
Injured female mallard protected by male

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