July 21, 2025, was a day full of surprises along the riverside, where duck families and wild birds offered a glimpse into their complex lives. In this unedited documentary-style footage, we witness moments of independence, cooperation, and unexpected behavior that reveal just how rich and interconnected life around the river can be.
🐥 Ducklings Growing Up
The day began with the Af3 family (3 ducklings, about 33 days old) resting together—finally reunited with their mother after previous sightings without her. We also observed Gf and Xf families, where the ducklings showed signs of increasing independence, even ignoring their mother when she descended a dam. This behavior, while surprising, marks a natural step in their growth.
🦢 Egrets and Coexistence
A Little Egret put on a fascinating display, using its feet to stir up prey in shallow waters. Although unsuccessful at first, the bird later caught what looked like small crayfish in the mossy shallows. Notably, the egret and Af3 family shared the same space in peace—a quiet moment of interspecies coexistence.
🎥 A Kingfisher’s Big Moment
One of the highlights was a successful capture of a kingfisher mating sequence. After a previous missed opportunity, this time the moment was recorded clearly, along with footage of the male hunting near the weir—a major win for documentation.
🎏 Unexpected Guests: Koi Carp
Several unfamiliar koi appeared in the river, likely the result of human release. While their vibrant colors were captivating, the sudden increase in their numbers raised concerns about ecosystem impact. Some showed unusual body shapes—possibly due to diet or breed—adding another layer of mystery to the day's observations.
🌉 Young Ducks and the Challenges of Growth
Ef5 ducklings (about 27 days old) were seen mastering the dam descent—a skill they had previously struggled with. Later, some were spotted calmly navigating small obstacles that had once caused problems, signaling their steady development. Yet, when their mother descended alone, the ducklings hesitated. It took several minutes before they finally followed, then peacefully napped in the filtered sunlight.
🪶 Crow Parenting and Woodland Life
We observed a jungle crow parenting scene—feeding and gently poking its chick’s beak in a tender display. Another crow exhibited fascinating behavior by floating a caterpillar in the water, perhaps testing it before eating. These moments offered insight into crow intelligence and care.
🦆 Revisiting Old Families
Later in the day, we reunited with Cf (70 days old) and Tf (45 days old) families, though Tf remained hidden in the brush. Cf appeared under the bridge with two ducklings—fewer than expected, but it was the first time they were documented returning as a family to forage. The thick duckweed suggested they had traveled from rice fields upstream.
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