last October image and the final Japanese Gardens image for now...........
This very large family of Australian wood ducks (aka the maned goose) came wandering past - the ducklings were scattered here and there not the least bit concerned about any people around. Mum and dad didn't seem to be fussed about their brood being spread about or wandering right past me through the pergola.
Eventually they all gathered on the lawn for a bit of a rest and food forage - mum, dad and 21 ducklings!
Because there were so many ducklings I thought the adults were two females with their broods - but - I did some googling and found out the Australian Wood Duck forms monogamous breeding pairs that stay together year round. Both parents feed young and young birds remain with them up to a month after fledging.
So this is a mum and dad - but so many young when they usually lay 8 - 12 eggs is interesting - are they all the one family or have they gathered some extras along the way?
So many ducklings....maybe they were babysitting 😀
But who doesn't love a duckling?
Lovely collage :)