Like so many others at Huntley Meadows Park, I have fallen in love with this Hooded Merganser family (Lophodytes cucullatus), with its hyper-vigilant Mom and nine growing babies. Occasionally I will see them all huddled together on a fallen log, but only rarely do I a clear look at them. The ducklings are be full of energy, ready to wander in multiple directions, and the Mom seems to be more than fully occupied watching out for predators and keeping the group together.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s something I could sit and watch all day.
So could I, Allen, but the duck family seems to be on the move most of the time, probably for safety reasons. The snakes and snapping turtles (and other predators) are a constant threat to the vulnerable ducklings.
Great shots. Everything happens earlier down your way.
Thanks, Victor. I guess for you, my photos are previews of coming attractions. Northern Virginia is an interesting location–we are midway between the North and South and get a lot of migrating species that come through our area.
Sooo cute. You’ve got to love spring and all the babies😊
Great shots, all I can seem to find are Geese and Goslings. 🙂
Wonderful photos 🙂