Looking out my dining room window late yesterday I saw a
mother Pacific Black Duck with 13 youngsters swimming around the edge of Lake Jerrabomberra.
The youngsters has attracted the interest of a Purple Swamp Hen which was
stalking the youngsters and from time to time making a rush at them, each time
being repulsed by Mother Duck. Eventually the Swampie managed to grab a
duckling but was instantly attacked by Mother Duck and forced to release the
youngster. However, the Swampie was undeterred and continued to stalk the
ducklings. Sadly, this morning I wandered around the lake and found Mother
Duck and brood with only 7 youngsters left. I suspect the Swampies eventually
ganged up on Mother Duck.
Lindsay Hansch
