On July 23, 2025, what began as a quiet observation of duck families turned into a whirlwind of surprise, tension, and growth. From a sudden cormorant attack to a duckling’s fearless worm feast, the riverside revealed nature's unpredictable energy and determination to survive.
🦆 Calm Moments with the Xf5 Family
The day opened with the Xf5 family (5 ducklings, 43 days old). A moment of confusion arose as the mother duck descended first, unnoticed by her ducklings. They eventually realized and rejoined her, displaying their now-mature pace and independence. Alongside them, a beautiful male damselfly fluttered near the water.
🐤 Ef5 Ducklings: Sleepy Mornings and Worms
Nearby, the Ef5 family (29 days old) was also active. The mother duck showed signs of wanting to rest, but the ducklings had other ideas. They led her into action—and one of them even caught and swallowed a wriggling earthworm. Amid urban concrete and buildings, this natural foraging behavior is both rare and deeply impressive.
⚠️ Cormorant Strikes!
Suddenly, the peaceful rhythm broke: a great cormorant burst in, startling both ducks and observers. The attack seemed unsuccessful, but one duckling dashed away in a panic. Watching the footage later revealed the mother duck’s astonishing reaction—darting sideways in mid-air. It was one of those unforgettable moments that wildlife rarely affords in real time.
🔍 Searching for Sf9 and Mysterious Ducks
After the chaos, attention turned to locating the elusive Sf9 family, but they were nowhere to be found. Even in prime nesting spots, they had seemingly vanished. Unknown female ducks, including one giving maternal calls, added more mystery. Among them, one bore resemblance to Sf9 but wasn’t a match.
🌟 Pf2 Returns
Finally, a familiar face appeared: Pf2 (52 days old) and her now fully-grown ducklings. Their brief return to the area brought joy, especially since Pf2’s movements have been unpredictable. Her distinct appearance makes her easy to identify—a hopeful sign for continued tracking next year.
🐦 Other Creatures: Gallinules and Reflections
Later, a young moorhen (63 days old) with white facial markings was spotted. Its development is slower than ducklings, but it stood out with pride. The shimmering water mirror reflected a calming, peaceful scene—momentarily distracting from the intense heat and smoke in the area.
🌫️ Trouble in the Air
Toward the end of the session, thick smoke filled the air from nearby fields. It became so overwhelming that retreat was necessary. The photographer, deeply immersed in following the Lf family, had unknowingly been exposed for too long. It served as a stark reminder that even human observers are part of the natural balance—and vulnerable to its changes.
2025年7月23日。穏やかな水辺の観察は、突如として衝撃と成長のドラマに包まれました。まさかのカワウの突撃、そしてヒナがミミズを食べる姿。自然の中で生きる命の強さと、予期せぬ出来事が交差する1日でした。
🦆 Xf5親子の静かな始まり
朝、Xf5（43日齢、ヒナ5羽）の親子が姿を見せました。母ガモが先に降りるもヒナたちは気づかず、遅れて静かに後を追う姿が印象的でした。成長した今、あわてる様子もなく、どこか落ち着いた風格も。水辺にはハグロトンボの姿も見られました。
🐤 エf5ヒナとミミズ捕食
エf5（29日齢）ファミリーはお昼寝モードの母とは対照的に元気いっぱい。なんとヒナがミミズを捕まえて食べる決定的瞬間を撮影！コンクリートに囲まれた場所でも、こうした自然な捕食行動が見られるのは驚きであり、たくましさを感じさせます。
⚠️ 衝撃のカワウ突撃
そして、空気が一変。カワウが突如突撃し、ヒナが1羽パニックダッシュ！母ガモも驚いて横っ飛びするという、稀に見る反応を見せました。ほんの一瞬の出来事でしたが、スローモーションで見返すと、その迫力と緊迫感に圧倒されます。
🔍 行方不明のSf9と謎の母ガモ
落ち着いた後は、行方不明のSf9を探すも発見できず…。代わりに正体不明のメスがいくつか登場し、中には母ガモのような鳴き方をする個体も。しかし模様は一致せず、謎が深まるばかりでした。
🌟 Pf2親子との嬉しい再会
そんな中、Pf2親子（52日齢）に再会！立派に育った姿は感動的で、母の特徴もはっきりしているため、今後も追跡しやすい貴重な存在です。
🐦 バン幼鳥と静けさのなかの命
池では若いカルガモや、羽を抜いたバン幼鳥（63日齢）も発見。顔の白さが特徴的で、カルガモより成長が遅いことを実感しました。水鏡に映る姿は癒しそのもので、しばらく見惚れてしまいました。
🌫️ 撤退を余儀なくされた煙
観察の終盤、煙があまりに濃くなり、目が痛くなるほどでした。Lf母の撮影に夢中になっていたせいで長時間浴びていたようで、やむなく撤退。自然と人の境界が曖昧になるような、忘れられない感覚でした。
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