birth , feed themselves , and fledge in about eight weeks .
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Generally non-migratory except in northern portions of their range .
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Favor shallow ponds and marshes where they feed primarily on plant life .
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They have a whistling call , particularly during flight .
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Considered relatively tame even in the wild .
Research suggested I had through the first week in November to track the family , so the marshes across from Cinder Creek became a regular destination for me . I found them again on September 24 , and while the ducklings ’ markings had not changed , they had grown substantially .
On this occasion , the family was very cooperative and gave me ample opportunities for photos and video clips .
For the next two weeks , I visited the same string of marshes at various times during the day with no success . Previous sightings had occurred during the early morning hours , so I changed strategy and finally sighted them on the morning of October 9 . As expected , the ducklings were twice the size , and their coloring was beginning to match the adults .
With three to four weeks left before the ducklings fledged , I was hopeful I would see the family several more times . Another 10 days passed , and the morning stops were duds , so I dropped by the marsh one afternoon ( October 19th ) and there they were ! The lighting was totally different , and the
66 Naturally Kiawah