Mallard Ducklings

Albuquerque, NM - Tingley Beach Area - The ducklings stay in the nest for at least 10 hours while they dry and get used to using their legs. Then, usually in the early morning, the female leads them to water. Bad weather may delay this exodus, but the sooner the ducklings get to water to feed, the better their chances of survival. They cannot survive without their mother, and take 50-60 days before they fledge and become independent. [Wiki]

Adobe LightRoomBirdsHorizontalNew MexicoUSA