I love it when Mama Merganser parades her little ones past our house on the Alsea River! One or two always seem to hitch a ride on her back.
At least until she dives. If they’re going to get stronger, they’ve got to do it on their own!
Kudos to this mama merganser! I counted at least 16 babies with her. I can’t imagine keeping up with this many kids at once. I’ve seen the Common Merganser mom defending her chicks though. She is not to be reckond with!
[youtube https://youtu.be/7ADPSd6tFMM]
They all gather when she gives a soft quack.
And she does it all with style; not a hair out of place. 🙂
The ducklings were having trouble fighting the current in the fast water so Mama took them across the rocks – in single file.
