Pekin Ducks Bully!

In a clear sky day, two Pekin ducks. I assumed to be both drakes...

The un-suspecting gardener look up when she heard all kind of commotion going on down the river way. It turned out to be one hapless mama Mallard with roughly a dozen of her babies were being harrassed by the two Pekin drakes. I couldn't stand the bullying going on. I was screamming "Hey, Hey, hey!!!" on the top of my lungs. As if that would do anything to deter the squables!

Within the next few minutes; what nature unfolded in front of my eyes was truly amazing!

Needless to say, I didn't have the camera at hands to capture the event as it unfolded. But this is where it took place. Look at the white Azaleas as a landmark. And the end of the point along the bank...

...As the mama Mallard was desperately charging at the 2 Pekin drakes, to keep them away from her ducklings. She also has another task to do: Guiding the little ones up onto the bank to safety. My head was spinning witnessing the despert mother fighting for her babies.
After what seemed a long, long minute. The mama slipping and sliding the rocky bank leading her youngs up the yard by about where the Azaleas is.

Good grief, the suspense is killing me!! Did they all make it? Nature sure can be unfriendly!

Time stood still for a moment. I think I was holding my breath! Then what happened next was breathtaking. A half dozen of Mallard drakes flew in from around the point. They dive bombed the two bullies, some were guarding/leading the young ducklings and their mother up the bank....

And one brave drake, acted as a decoy. He swam close to the Pekin drakes, drew their attention away from the escaping youngings, and have the bully Pekin chased him out to the river....

drumlin, we can now both breath out! LOL, yes to answer your question they all made it to safety.

A while later, these couple female and drake Mallard came back to the yard. I have yet seen the babies again after the incident when they were lead and disappearing into the woods on my far end of the garden.

By the end of the day, the Pekin ducks are back to their usual 'peaceful' selves. My gardener's helper as seen here will have a thing or two to say about territorial issues. Nature at its best!

An amazing story Lily, thanks for sharing it. I'm so glad everything turned out good.

Yep glad those babies are safe.

I had no idea that the Mallards have that protective instinct. The drakes must have heard the female call in distress and came around the point to the rescue. Phews! I came as close to frighten the two Pekin ducks away from our area--but I let it goes. It's something else. Because all year long, the two species of ducks appeared to have gotten along just fine. They hunt/fish together most time. Until the breeding season. Go figure!

Two Mallard drakes sun bathing peacefully today.

Kim, I don't know how I missed this very dramatic thread. What astonishing behaviour you witnessed. I'm so glad it was a positive outcome.

Margaret, I had no idea 'til I saw what took place. Territorial behavior proven fruitful (for the Pekin ducks) The Mallard hen with chicks has not shown up since. The drakes however, occassionally visit this corner of the lake. Breeding season. I saw a pair of Canadian Geese with goslings yesterday. What strikes me funny is the Geese travel in pair (both parents). The Mallards however, left it up to the mama duck to care for the young most time, 'til crisis strikes.

Ducks' behavior: Likes I've said ... " ... Until crisis strikes." This morning I saw possibly the same Mallards couple with their youngs. On the other hand, the Canadian Geese goslings were seen with but one parent. There are several Geese families seen on our corner of the lake lately.

The lighting isn't to my favor since I shot against the east this early morning. Left, Mallard drake, then mother Goose and goslings, to far right is the Mallard hen and chicks.

A peaceful morning ...

I'll close out this thread with good news, all is well with the Mallards that were being harrassed by the bullies (Pekin Ducks). Most of all. The "kids" seem to be growing leaps and bounds since I first saw them this season. The parents too--has team up to raise the little ducklings. The ends.

Okay, one more pix before the end. ^_^

I'm happy to bring you the update; the ducklings to date. Some of them apparently are molting. What's a delightful outcome.