Another Blown Myth!

Somewhere I picked up the notion that ducks mated for life. This pair seemed to return every year. Another male would always challenge, there would be a scuffle and then the mom, I assumed, would find a spot to raise her duckling, although I never saw the family. And all would live happily until the next spring when they would return and start a new family. It made me feel good.

Then I discovered their average life span is only a year, so mating for life is partially true, but those that survive longer take whatever spouse that comes along. That doesn't account for the challenge and this year I did notice that after the initial encounter the two males did seem to get along better. Whatever their plan, it seems to work!