Subject: Re: Ruddy Ducklings
Date: Aug 7 07:16:40 1996
From: steppie at wolfenet.com - steppie at wolfenet.com


Scott Ray asked whether 6 August is late for hatchling Ruddy Ducks as he
observed just hatched young on the Waterville Plateau. According to info in
Birds of the Okanagan Valley by the Cannings (1987 Royal BCMuseum Press):
"nests have been found from 29 May to 14 July. However, eggs are
laid as early as the last week of April and the latest ones may not
hatch until the end of August or even early September. Flightless
young have been reported from 24 May to 20 September...the length of
the breeding season may be influenced by the fact that the Ruddy
Duck is the only North American duck known to raise two broods (Bent
1925). On 4 September 1939 Brooks noted that the Ruddy Ducks on the
Vernon Commonage were on the 'second laying.' Despite Brooks'
comments, recent studies indicate two broods are rare, and may not
occur at all at these latitudes (A. Somerville, pers. comm.).
Scott, it seems you may have seen evidence of a second brood.

Andy Stepniewski
Wapato WA