Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
According to Atlas of Breeding Birds of Alberta, the Lesser Scaup nests later than any other duck in Alberta. Often two broods will merge with both females present.
I counted 14 of these newly hatched ducklings today and there were two females attending to them and vigorously driving away any Mallard that got too close.
This is the first brood I have seen this season and I was happy to get a shot of these very young ones. They won't fledge until the the third week of September. There will be more broods making their first appearance over the next couple of weeks.
I also posted a shot of one of the females and some of the hatchlings swimming close to the shore before resting in the grass.
William Hawrelak Park. Edmonton, Alberta.
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
According to Atlas of Breeding Birds of Alberta, the Lesser Scaup nests later than any other duck in Alberta. Often two broods will merge with both females present.
I counted 14 of these newly hatched ducklings today and there were two females attending to them and vigorously driving away any Mallard that got too close.
This is the first brood I have seen this season and I was happy to get a shot of these very young ones. They won't fledge until the the third week of September. There will be more broods making their first appearance over the next couple of weeks.
I also posted a shot of one of the females and some of the hatchlings swimming close to the shore before resting in the grass.
William Hawrelak Park. Edmonton, Alberta.