Mallard family progress, Wood Duck cowards, and other stuff.

The two Mallard families which started out with 10 each are seeing the duckling increase in size but diminish in numbers. One group is down to  6 and the other, 7.

 

not nearly as cute as when they were smaller

 

Next we have 4, male, Wood-ducks basking on a log.

 

Then when a Snapper shows up and wants to share, 3 of the 4 beat leaving only one brave soul

to strand guard on his end of the log.

Speaking of Snappers and reduced numbers of ducklings. Suspect the turtles are the reason for the decline. Sheriff Creek seems to have more that it needs in the snapper department. In few days I have counted 6 on shore digging and laying eggs. But one nest has been robbed already. Can't tell by what. Fox, Raccoon, Fisher, Mink ? but shells strewn about. Too soon for the eggs to have hatched.

Here is one digging its pit.
Head first into an unbelievable rocky area.

 

then in the "laying" position.

and up close and personal, one egg emerges.

then drops into the pit where each is immediately covered.

And the next appears at 5 minute intervals.

Enough with the Ugly already.













And onto the Fox.
Here it is posing in hope of landing a job as a Fox-stole.
No it is not dead. Just relaxing.