surprise on Saturday , September 12 , when I sighted the pair along with 11 ducklings ! They were close by but mostly hidden by the marsh grass , and they disappeared several minutes later . This , along with my nervousness , resulted in some acceptable photos , but I was hopeful of getting better ones in the days following . Again I emailed Aaron with pictures of the family , and he quickly responded :
That ’ s awesome ! A first breeding record of BBWD on Kiawah . They are primarily cavity nesters but can also nest on the ground .
The family photos and video clips I had taken were not only a first for me but also a first for Kiawah , at least in Aaron ’ s experience . Happily , I sighted the family again on the following Monday and Tuesday and did a lot better with the camera .
Based on the timing of my various sightings , I estimated the ducklings were no more than a week old when I discovered them . I did a little research to understand when the ducklings would fledge and learn more about them .
Quick whistling duck facts :
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Male and female look alike .
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Monogamous — unusual for ducks .
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Nest in tree cavities or on the ground ; 12 – 16 eggs ; incubation 25 – 30 days .
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Ducklings emerge quickly from nests , swim almost from
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