Sorry for the bad quality photo, but it's all I was able to get. Look at how all the ducks all piled into the pool...even Lucky! You couldn't have packed them in tighter if you'd used a trash compactor. They really see water as their safety zone. I am so glad I hadn't let them out yet! I had heard that some hawks have been eating some of the local fowl, but I had never seen any out here at our place. Mr. Adams says that he never used to think there were any hawks in this country, but the last couple of years he has been seeing them more and more regularly. I am not sure what type of hawk this was but he was impressive. Very sinister looking. He looks small in this photo but look at his size in comparison to the size of the ducks. I think he was pretty big. You know, it is just always something when you are raising ducks....they are truly on the bottom of the food chain.
As for Lucky, he made it through the night, but the herd has not completely accepted him. Except for when the hawk was lurking over the hutch he was in the dry hutch.....separating himself from the herd but looking longingly at them through the fencing. He still limps, but is really doing great. You have to be tough when you are a duck.
Lori, I also seen a mourning dove in Sitka. He may have been an escapee though.
ReplyDeleteKim