[birdky] RPT: Lewis County WMA

May 6, 2009: I released seven "orphaned" wood duck ducklings on a wetland at
Lewis County WMA.  The ducklings were discovered by a homeowner in her
garage.  Three of the ducklings were literally in the jaws of her two cats
and a dog.  The ducklings were destined for a wildlife rehabilitator but I
suggested that they be released on a wetland with wood duck hens with
broods.  Orphaned ducklings should quickly attach themselves to a new hen
and brood.  There are multiple hens with broods this time of year on the
long, narrow wetland at the Rock Creek access of the Lewis County WMA.  The
wetland is more than 50% covered by emergent wetland plants and shrubs.  It
is perfect cover for the broods.  I heard a hen woody call once as I
approached the wetland.  I walked along the wetland edge for a few minutes
and spotted a hen and brood about 15 yards away quietly slipping through the
buttonbush.  I immediately released the ducklings and they swam as a group
toward the cover and the hen although they had not seen her yet and melted
into the buttonbushes.  I trust that they found her or another hen and
brood.  Two surprises flushed from the wetland during my little adventure.
An American bittern and a Virginia rail flushed from the reeds.

 

Scott Freidhof

Rowan County

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