ducklings were almost the size and coloring of Mom & Pop . On top of that they were beginning to spread their wings ; fledging couldn ’ t be that far away .
The final chapter of the story took place through the second week of November and I was fortunate enough to see the family on four more occasions as evidenced in these photos . I have convinced myself that you can see all 11 ducklings in at least three of the photos and they certainly reached adult size over those last several weeks . Did the family stay on Kiawah for the winter or did they head for a warmer climate ? I hope to have an answer by the time this article is published , or head for the marsh across from Cinder Creek and see for yourself ! NK
Lucky ducks return to recovered wetlands
According to Aaron Given , the tallow tree removal efforts that occurred in this wetland at The Preserve created the perfect habitat for a black-bellied whistling duck to nest , thereby restoring the wetland . Also , the dead trees ( snags ) that resulted from saltwater intrusion into the wetland created many potential nesting cavities for the ducks .
WINTER / SPRING 2021 • VOLUME 43
67