Baby Bobber Birds
The first ducklings on the ponds that I see in the spring are the Goldeneyes. My friend called them “Baby Bobber Birds” because after they dive, they pop up to the surface like those bobbers that are used for fishing. At first I thought the mother was somewhat neglectful as I saw her offspring spread out across the waters seemingly alone.Then I noticed what happens when another duck gets too close. The protective mother is on the attack. She can be quite aggressive and has a sneaky method where she dives under water a little ways from her target then comes up underneath her victim and bites them. In this series a mother Goldeneye is on a rock with two ducklings (maybe hers, or maybe two she has stolen).As she dives into the water one of them is knocked off the rock into the water.She attacks another female and after chasing her away, returns to the rock . All three are united , first on the rock then they go to shore. I want to share these photos so you too, can appreciate them.
©Jane Chesebrough
©Jane Chesebrough
©Jane Chesebrough
©Jane Chesebrough
©Jane Chesebrough
©Jane Chesebrough
©Jane Chesebrough
©Jane Chesebrough
My Heartsong 
Gorgeous!
June 27, 2012 at 11:40 pm
Very cool!!!
June 28, 2012 at 1:31 pm
Interesting story about the mom doing a sneak, underwater attack (!!!). But my favorite photo is the one of her on the rock with her head low and her babies beside her. 🙂
July 3, 2012 at 6:27 pm
Yes! That’s just before she dove off in pursuit of another duck and knocked one of the young ones into the water
July 3, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Great behavior captures, Jane! I love her sneak attack. You’d think other species would know NOT to mess with or get near a momma’s brood. Momma can be one fierce protector! 🙂
July 4, 2012 at 7:15 pm