Our "Duck Family" series on YouTube continues to bring you raw, unfiltered observations of Eastern Spot-billed Ducks in their natural habitat. In our latest video, "Duck Family 0618F🦆Ducklings born in the pond dwindle to 1. Another brood born. Too hot, so they change sleeping spots. | Wildlife Documentary," we witness a mix of heartbreak, surprise, and the enduring resilience of nature.
This video, like all others in our series, is an unedited log of our observations, shared on the same day it's filmed. It serves as a direct record of the day's events. While some scenes may appear unpolished, this format allows you to experience wildlife exactly as it unfolds, with all its challenges and unexpected turns. You can also simply enjoy the authentic sounds of nature.
Understanding Our "Duck Family Code"
As you watch our videos, you'll see codes like 【Wf2-2】. This is our "Duck Family Code," designed to help you easily identify each family and their ducklings. Let's break it down:
- W: The initial letter identifies the mother duck (from A-Z, or even Japanese characters).
- 2: The number indicates the count of ducklings in that specific brood.
- f: A lowercase alphabet letter denotes their birth year (e.g., 'd' for 2023, 'e' for 2024, 'f' for 2025).
- -2: This indicates the number of days old the ducklings are at the time of filming.
So, Wf2-2 means "Mother duck W's family, with 2 ducklings born in 2025, observed on their 2nd day of life."
The Resilient Lives of Eastern Spot-billed Ducks
The stars of our "Duck Family" series are the Eastern Spot-billed Ducks (Anas zonorhyncha), affectionately known as "Karugamo" in Japan. These beautiful birds are a common sight across East Asia, distinguished by their dark bodies, white patches on their wings, and a bright yellow tip on their bills.
Female Eastern Spot-billed Ducks are dedicated mothers, often laying between 8 to 14 eggs. Once hatched, the ducklings are precocial, meaning they're quite developed at birth, able to walk, swim, and feed themselves within hours. However, their first few weeks are fraught with danger. They face a high natural mortality rate due to predators like crows, raptors, and even large fish. Human disturbances, such as pond cleaning or large gatherings, can significantly increase these risks, making it incredibly challenging for the mother to protect her brood. Despite these odds, ducks are persistent breeders and may attempt multiple broods within a season if earlier ones fail.
June 18th's Chronicle: A Day of Surprises
Following the heartbreaking events of the previous day, where the Vf family had dwindled to just two ducklings, the observer returned to the pond on June 18th. The initial outlook was grim, with information suggesting only one duckling might have survived the evening.
From the observation log:
- A Glimmer of Hope: Vf1 Survives! Against all odds, a single duckling from the Vf family was spotted! Now designated Vf1-6 (6 days old), this lone survivor appeared active and foraging independently. While separate from its mother, its vitality offered a small beacon of hope, reminding us of the sheer determination for survival in the wild.
- A New Arrival: The Wf Family! To the observer's astonishment, a brand new brood, the Wf2-2 family (2 ducklings, 2 days old), emerged in the pond! This marked the third time this year that two different duckling broods were simultaneously present in the same pond. It highlights the persistence of Eastern Spot-billed Ducks to nest and raise young, even after previous disturbances. The observer noted the mother duck, Wf, bore a strong resemblance to the Vf mother, requiring careful pattern recognition on their wings for identification.
- Mother Vf's Quiet Search: The Vf mother was observed, appearing less vocal and not attempting to climb the banks, a behavior that had been constant in previous days. She eventually reunited with her single duckling, confirming their bond despite the separation. This shows how mother ducks maintain connections with their remaining young, even as the brood size shrinks.
- Relocation Attempts by Wf2: The Wf mother showed signs of looking for a relocation route, a common behavior for new broods seeking safer, less disturbed waters. This is a crucial, often perilous, journey for duck families.
- Adapting to the Heat: With temperatures soaring, other established duck families in the pond, like Ff6-30 (30 days old) and Ef6-31 (31 days old), were seen adapting. They moved from open, preferred resting spots to shaded areas under bridges or vegetation, demonstrating a natural behavioral adaptation to avoid overheating. This thermoregulation is vital for their survival in hot weather.
- Observer's Challenges: The extreme heat and the focus on the pond broods made it challenging for the observer to locate other duck families usually seen in the river areas.
A Blend of Emotions and Ongoing Dedication
This day was a rollercoaster of emotions. The unexpected survival of Vf1, coupled with the arrival of Wf2, brought a wave of relief and excitement. It underscores the incredible resilience of life.
However, the observer's notes also reflect the harsh realities of wildlife observation: the high mortality rates, the difficulty in tracking every individual, and the emotional toll it takes. Despite these challenges, the dedication to documenting these lives remains strong, fueled by moments of surprise and the enduring hope for these vulnerable families.
What aspects of wild duck behavior fascinate you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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