Sweeney Ducks

Do I intervene or not?

When Momma duck showed up with 12 babies that she hatched out somewhere on the river I had to make a choice. Do I pen them up for a few weeks until they are a bit larger. When they are this small there are just to many wild creatures that are looking to snatch up a quick meal.

Or do I let them loose to fend for themselves. This is almost always sad when each day their numbers drop. First we have 12 then today we have 9, then 7-4-2 and when all is said and done, maybe 1 or 2 avoid the teeth, claws, talons, beaks and stomachs of all that consider them a tasty morsel.

So for now, Momma and her 12 little ones will spend some time behind some chicken wire and when the time is right we will set them free to play on the river.

They earned the name "Sweeney Ducks" because Momma duck was raised by our Summertime neighbors over at Camp Sweeneyland after I had recommended that they get some baby ducks for Easter last year.


Proud Papa checking on his family.